Seafood Choices

Welcome to The Safina Center's Online Seafood Guide. Enter the common or sushi name of any fish in the Search field or scroll the alphabetical by color list to identify sustainable seafood choices. Please note, our guide covers only wild-caught fish, not farm-raised or aquaculture. Enjoy!

Atka Mackerel – Alaska

Atka mackerel is related to the greenlings and lingocd. It is a small fish, found in the Northeast Pacific. In Alaska, Atka mackerel are moderately abundant and fishing levels on this species are sustainable. Atka mackerel are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. However, there are a number of spatial restrictions in place […]Read more

Barnacle, Gooseneck (Leaf) – British Columbia

The Gooseneck or Leaf Barnacle is a sessile crustacean, found along the west coast of North America. They attach to rocks and form barnacle clusters or beds. The species is fished by the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations in British Columbia, Canada. It is a small fishery and it is the only fishery for this species in […]Read more

Bass, Black Sea – U.S. Atlantic, Handline

Black Sea Bass are found along the U.S. East Coast from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Cape Canaveral, Florida, and in the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer structural habitats such as shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and oyster or mussel beds. They begin life as females and become males by the time they are five years old. There are two populations of […]Read more

Bass, Black Sea – U.S. Atlantic, Pots/Traps

Black Sea Bass are found along the U.S. East Coast from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Cape Canaveral, Florida, and in the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer structural habitats such as shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and oyster or mussel beds. They begin life as females and become males by the time they are five years old. There are two populations of […]Read more

Patagonian Toothfish, more commonly known as Chilean Sea Bass, are widely distributed in the Southern Hemisphere south of 40°S latitude. It is a long-lived species that is thought to reach 50 years in age. Sexual maturity is reached between 6-12 years and fecundity is moderate. Due to its high commercial value, Patagonian Toothfish has been […]Read more

Bass, Striped (Suzuki) – U.S., Hook and Line

Striped Bass are a moderately growing, long-lived fish found along the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. and Canada. Since the collapse of the Striped Bass fishery in the 1980s, numbers have gradually increased due to successful management, and today Striped Bass have a high abundance throughout much of their range. Striped Bass are an important […]Read more

Bluefish – U.S., Handline

Although mostly caught by recreational fishers, commercial Bluefish fishers also bring this species to market. High population growth combined with good fisheries management has seen Bluefish abundance increase over the last decade to healthy levels. Most Bluefish are caught with gillnets, but also with bottom trawls and handlines. Fishing for Bluefish with handlines has minimal […]Read more

Catfish, Blue – Chesapeake Bay

Blue Catfish is a large freshwater fish species, which can weigh more than 100 lbs and live to over 20 years. Blue Catfish are native to large U.S. rivers, such as the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio, but have been introduced into other areas, including several rivers in the Chesapeake Bay region. Although no formal population […]Read more

Clam, Geoduck (Mirugai)

Geoducks are very large clams. Their range extends along the Pacific coast of the U.S. and Canada, and they are relatively abundant. They can live for 100 years and they generally reach sexual maturity in less than 10 years. They are caught using directed water jets called ‘stingers’ that loosen the mud around each clam, […]Read more

Clam, Hard – U.S. Atlantic (MA, RI, VA, NC), Rakes & Shovels

Hard Clams are found in intertidal or subtidal waters along the western Atlantic coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. Most commercial fisheries for Hard Clams occur between Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. Either individual states, municipalities, or a combination of both set regulations for fishing. Current abundance of this species is unknown. The rakes […]Read more

Clam, Pacific Razor

Pacific Razor Clams are found in shallow coastal waters from Alaska to central California. Pacific Razor Clams grow quickly, reaching sexual maturity around 2-4 years, and they can produce millions of eggs. They are caught in both commercial and recreational fisheries throughout their range. Fishermen dig for clams by hand, with shovels, or clam tubes. […]Read more

Clam, Soft-shell – U.S. Atlantic (ME, MA), Rakes & Shovels

Soft-Shell Clams are found in intertidal mud flats throughout much of the North Atlantic Ocean, and in the US are most abundant in Maine. They reach maturity in one year and usually live about 10 – 12 years. Little is known about the abundance or fishing levels on Soft-Shell Clams. There is a size limit […]Read more

Cobia – U.S.

Cobia is a large pelagic fish, growing up to 2 m (6.5 ft) in length, and found in tropical and warm-temperate waters worldwide, except for the eastern Pacific. They grow quickly, become sexually mature at 1-3 years of age, and may live for 16 years. Cobia are not targeted directly by commercial fishermen, instead are […]Read more

Cockles, New Zealand

New Zealand Cockles are a fast growing species of shellfish found in harbors and estuaries throughout the country. Most populations have a healthy abundance. New Zealand Cockles are mostly collected by hand picking, which causes little habitat damage and results in low levels of bycatch. In some areas, their habitat has been negatively affected by […]Read more

Cod, Pacific – Alaska

Pacific Cod is a relatively fast growing fish that can produce several hundred thousand eggs per year. It is commercially fished in two regions, the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands, and both populations have good abundance. The main fishing methods for Pacific Cod are bottom trawl, pot, longline, and jig gear. Management […]Read more

Crab, Blue (Kani) – U.S. Chesapeake Bay, Trotline

Blue Crabs mature early and carry their eggs for a short period of time, making them more resilient to fishing pressure than other crab species. In the U.S., abundance of Blue Crabs is at moderate to healthy levels. Blue Crabs are managed by individual states and management has improved in recent years to ensure the […]Read more

Crab, Blue Swimmer – New South Wales, Pot

Blue Swimmer Crab is a tropical species found in estuaries and inshore marine waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This species grows quickly, reaches sexual maturity around age one, and lives for three to four years. In New South Wales, the abundance of Blue Swimmer Crab is uncertain. The fishery is well-managed but additional research and monitoring of the […]Read more

Crab, Blue Swimmer – South Australia (Spencer Gulf), Pot

Blue Swimmer Crab is a tropical species found in estuaries and inshore marine waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This species grows quickly, reaches sexual maturity around age one, and lives for three to four years. In South Australia there are two main fishing areas for Blue Swimmer Crab: Spencer Gulf and Gulf St. Vincent. In Spencer Gulf, the […]Read more

Crab, Blue Swimmer – Western Australia (Peel-Harvey Estuary), Pot

Blue Swimmer Crab is a tropical species found in estuaries and inshore marine waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This species grows quickly, reaches sexual maturity around age one, and lives for three to four years. In Western Australia there are three main fishing areas for Blue Swimmer Crab: Cockburn Sound, Peel-Harvey Estuary, and Shark Bay. In Peel-Harvey Estuary, the […]Read more

Crab, Snow (Kani) – Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada

Snow Crabs become sexually mature around four years and can produce hundreds of thousands of eggs. The Snow Crab population in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada is at a healthy abundance level. Pots, which moderately impact the seafloor, are the only fishing equipment used to catch Snow Crabs. In this fishery there are […]Read more

Crab, Snow (Kani) – Alaska Eastern Bering Sea

Snow Crabs become sexually mature around four years and can produce hundreds of thousands of eggs. The Snow Crab fisheries, once classified as overfished, have now recovered, and effective management is in place. Pots, which moderately impact the seafloor, are the only fishing equipment used to catch Snow Crabs. Bycatch in the crab fishery is […]Read more

Crab, Stone – U.S.

Stone Crabs are popular in the Southeast U.S. and supplied predominantly by the Florida crab fishery. Fishers use traps or pots to catch Stone Crab, which result is minimal catches of non-target species. The fishers take one or both of the claws of the Stone Crabs and then return the crab to the water alive. […]Read more

Dogfish, Spiny – U.S. West Coast

Spiny Dogfish is a widely distributed small shark, found in temperate waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the Pacific, they are found from the Bering Sea to Baja California. Like other sharks, they are slow growing, long-lived, and have low reproductive rates, which makes them vulnerable to high fishing pressure. However, the Spiny […]Read more

Flounder, Arrowtooth – Alaska

Arrowtooth Flounder is a moderately long-lived flatfish, found from northern California to the Bering Sea. In Alaska, abundance of Arrowtooth Flounder is above target levels and fishing levels on Arrowtooth Flounder are sustainable. Management of this fishery is highly effective. Arrowtooth flounder are caught by bottom trawling, which can be environmentally destructive to bottom ocean habitats. […]Read more

Flounder, Kamchatka – Alaska

Kamchatka Flounder is a long-lived flatfish, found in the North Pacific. In Alaska, abundance of Kamchatka Flounder is above target levels and fishing levels are sustainable. Management of this fishery is highly effective. Kamchatka Flounder are caught by bottom trawling, which can be environmentally destructive to bottom ocean habitats. However, there are numerous spatial restrictions in place that limit […]Read more

Flounder, Starry – U.S. West Coast

Starry Flounder is a moderately long-lived flatfish, found throughout the North Pacific. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), abundance of Starry Flounder is above target levels and fishing levels on Starry Flounder are sustainable. Management of this fishery is highly effective. Starry Flounder are caught by bottom trawling, which can be environmentally destructive; however, bottom […]Read more

Halibut, California (Hirame) – U.S. Pacific, Handline

California Halibut is a flatfish found along the Pacific coast of North America, primarily from central California to southern Baja California, Mexico. They grow slowly, may live for 30 years, and generally become sexually mature within four years. The abundance of California Halibut varies within California, being high in the central region and a lower […]Read more

Herring, Atlantic – U.S., Purse Seine

Atlantic Herring are found along the Atlantic coast of North America from Labrador to Cape Hatteras. They mature at 2–4 years and can live 15–18 years. Herring support a substantial bait industry for lobster, blue crab and tuna fisheries. They are also sold as steaks, kippers and are one of many species sold in the U.S. as […]Read more

Herring, Pacific – California

Pacific Herring are found in coastal waters throughout the North Pacific from Southern California to Korea. Most of the U.S. catch comes from Alaska, but nearly all is exported. The only remaining Pacific Herring fishery in California is the San Francisco Bay fishery. In this fishery, only a low amount of Pacific Herring are allowed […]Read more

Lingcod – U.S. West Coast, Bottom Trawl and Longline

Lingcod, which aren’t actually related to cod, are found along the west coast of North America and live on the ocean bottom. Males can be especially sedentary, establishing territories before spawning and guarding fertilized eggs until they hatch. Lingcod were once depleted, but are now considered rebuilt. Fishing levels on the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Lobster, California Spiny – Mexico

The California Spiny Lobster is found along the western coast of North America from Monterey, California to Manzanillo, Mexico. In Mexico, Spiny Lobster are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are appropriate. Fishermen use traps to catch Spiny Lobster. There is some concern about bycatch of seabirds, particularly cormorants. There is […]Read more

Lobster, Caribbean Spiny – Mexico

Caribbean Spiny Lobsters grow fast, are highly fecund (very fertile), and can live up to 20 years. In Mexico, the abundance and fishing mortality levels of Caribbean Spiny Lobster are uncertain. However, the fishery is well-managed. Caribbean Spiny Lobster fishermen free-dive and catch the lobsters by hand. As a result, the fishing has minimal affects […]Read more

Mackerel, Atlantic (Saba) – U.S. and Canada, Purse Seine

Atlantic Mackerel are fast swimmers found throughout the Atlantic Ocean that mature within 3 years. In U.S. and Canadian waters, the current abundance of Atlantic Mackerel is uncertain. Mackerel play an important role in the ecosystem, providing food for a variety of larger fish, such as sharks, bluefin tuna, and marine mammals. In the U.S. most […]Read more

Mackerel, King – U.S. Atlantic, Troll, Pole & Handline

King Mackerel inhabit coastal waters along the Eastern seaboard of the U.S.. They were overfished in the mid-1980s, but have rebounded to achieve high abundance today. Conservative management measures now govern the fisheries for King Mackerel. The troll, pole, and handline gear used to catch King Mackerel typically do not contact bottom habitats. Some other fish […]Read more

Mackerel, King – U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Runaround Gillnets

King Mackerel inhabit coastal waters along the Eastern seaboard of the U.S.. They were overfished in the mid-1980s, but have rebounded to achieve high abundance today. Conservative management measures now govern the fisheries for King Mackerel. Runaround gillnets are set around schools of King Mackerel and result in very little bycatch. This gear does not make […]Read more

Mackerel, Spanish (Sawara) – U.S. Atlantic, Handline

Spanish Mackerel inhabit coastal waters along the Eastern seaboard of the U.S.. They have have recovered from years of overfishing to achieve high abundance today. They are important to recreational as well as commercial fishers. The handline gear used to catch Spanish Mackerel does not typically contact bottom habitats. Some other fish species are caught, […]Read more

Mackerel, Spanish (Sawara) – U.S., Cast Nets & Runaround Gillnets

Spanish Mackerel inhabit coastal waters along the Eastern seaboard of the U.S.. They have have recovered from years of overfishing to achieve high abundance today. They are important to recreational as well as commercial fishers. Surface casts nets and runaround gillnets are set around schools of Spanish Mackerel and result in very little bycatch. These […]Read more

Mahimahi – U.S. Atlantic, Pole and Troll

Fast-growing and short-lived, Mahimahi populations can potentially withstand high fishing pressure. No formal population assessments have been done in any region, however, so their overall abundance is unknown. Mahimahi is likely susceptible to broad-scale environmental change, like changing water temperatures or currents, because of their close association with warm tropical currents. The U.S. Atlantic pole-and-line […]Read more

Mussels, Blue

Blue Mussels are found in the Arctic, North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans, including the U.S. where they are commonly fished in Maine. Blue Mussels grow quickly, and may live for more than 10 years. They become sexually mature in about 1 year, and females can produce 10 million eggs. The number of Blue Mussels […]Read more

Oyster, Eastern – U.S. Gulf of Mexico

Eastern Oysters are found along the eastern coast of North America, from Canada to Mexico, including the Gulf of Mexico and some Caribbean islands. They grow very quickly, reach sexual maturity within several months, and can release tens of millions of eggs each year. Most of the U.S. catch of Eastern Oysters occurs in the […]Read more

Perch, Yellow – Chesapeake Bay

Yellow Perch is primarily a freshwater species of fish. They are found throughout much of the east and mid-west regions of the US and Canada, but also have adapted to the estuarine waters of the Chesapeake Bay, which is the focus of this report. They are fast growing and reach sexual maturity within two to […]Read more

Perch, Yellow – Lake Erie (Pennsylvania, New York, Canada), Trap Net

Yellow Perch is primarily a freshwater species of fish, found throughout much of the east and mid-west regions of the US and Canada. They are fast growing and reach sexual maturity within two to three years. In the Great Lakes region, the abundance of Yellow Perch has fluctuated over the years. Lake Erie has the […]Read more

Perch, Yellow – Lake Ontario (New York)

Yellow Perch is primarily a freshwater species of fish, found throughout much of the east and mid-west regions of the US and Canada. They are fast growing and reach sexual maturity within two to three years. In the Great Lakes region, the abundance of Yellow Perch has fluctuated over the years. In Lake Ontario, abundance […]Read more

Plaice, Alaska

Alaska Plaice is a long-lived flatfish, found in the North Pacific. In Alaska, abundance of Alaska Plaice is above target levels and fishing levels are sustainable. Management of this fishery is highly effective. Alaska Plaice are caught by bottom trawling, which can be environmentally destructive to bottom ocean habitats. However, there are numerous spatial restrictions […]Read more

Plaice, European – Iceland, Bottom Longline

European Plaice is a species of flatfish found throughout the coastal waters of Europe and is widely distributed in Icelandic waters. European Plaice grow at moderate rates and can live for over 20 years. The overall abundance of European Plaice in Iceland is at moderate levels, but populations have been declining over the last century […]Read more

Pompano – U.S. Florida

Pompano is a schooling fish (meaning that they travel in groups) found most commonly in the warm waters in and around Florida. They grow quickly, mature early, and have a short life span. Pompano on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida are analyzed separately from one another. Abundance of Pompano on the Gulf coast […]Read more

Rockfish, Aurora – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years has helped many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Blackspotted – Gulf of Alaska

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However Blackspotted Rockfish in Alaska are at a healthy abundance level and the fishery is well-managed. Blackspotted Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in […]Read more

Rockfish, Chilipepper – California Groundfish Collective

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), Chilipepper Rockfish are moderately abundant. Some Chilipepper Rockfish are caught by the California Groundfish Collective fishery. The […]Read more

Rockfish, Darkblotched – U.S. West Coast, Longline

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years is helping many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Dusky – Alaska

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However Dusky Rockfish in Alaska are at a healthy abundance level and the fishery is well-managed. Dusky Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in […]Read more

Rockfish, Longspine Thornyhead – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years has helped many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Northern – Alaska

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, Northern Rockfish in Alaska are at a healthy abundance level and the fishery is well-managed. Northern Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in […]Read more

Rockfish, Pacific Ocean Perch – Alaska

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, Pacific Ocean Perch in Alaska are at a healthy abundance level and the fishery is well-managed. Pacific Ocean Perch are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in […]Read more

Rockfish, Rougheye – U.S. West Coast, Bottom Longline

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years is helping many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Shortspine Thornyhead – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years has helped many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Splitnose – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years has helped many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Widow – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years has helped many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Yellowtail – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years has helped many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Sablefish – Alaska

Sablefish is a moderately growing, long-lived species that is found in deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, from northern Alaska to Baja California. In Alaska, Sablefish are caught primarily by longlines and traps/pots. The longline and trap/pot gears cause low damage to the seafloor and result in low bycatch. Sablefish abundance is at a healthy […]Read more

Sablefish – California Groundfish Collective

Sablefish is a moderately growing, long-lived species that is found in deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, from northern Alaska to Baja California. Sablefish abundance is currently at a medium level, but is declining. Fishing levels on Sablefish have fluctuated around sustainable levels in recent years. Sablefish are primarily caught with bottom trawls, but also […]Read more

Sablefish – U.S. West Coast, Pot-Caught

Sablefish is a moderately growing, long-lived species that is found in deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, from northern Alaska to Baja California. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) Sablefish abundance is currently at a medium level, but is declining. Fishing levels on Sablefish have fluctuated around sustainable levels in recent years. Sablefish […]Read more

Salmon (Sake, Ikura) – Alaska

Salmon caught from Alaska will be one of five species: Pink, Sockeye, Chum, Coho and Chinook (King) Salmon. Abundance of salmon, particularly Pink and Sockeye, is high in Alaska due to good management and healthy habitat. The majority of salmon is caught with purse seines, followed by gillnets and troll gear. These fishing methods cause […]Read more

Salmon, Pink – Fraser River, Washington, Reefnet

A small reefnet fishery for Pink Salmon occurs in the Fraser River around Lummi and San Juan Islands, Washington State. A reefnet is a native tribal method, that’s been adapted for commercial fishing. The fishing gear is carried between two boats and acts as artificial reefs that direct salmon into the net. Pink Salmon in the […]Read more

A small reefnet fishery for Sockeye Salmon occurs in the Fraser River around Lummi and San Juan Islands, Washington State. A reefnet is a native tribal method, that’s been adapted for commercial fishing. The fishing gear is carried between two boats and acts as artificial reefs that direct salmon into the net. Early summer run Sockeye […]Read more

Sanddab, Pacific – U.S. West Coast

The Pacific Sanddab is a small-sized flatfish native to the West Coast of North America. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), abundance of Pacific Sanddab is above target levels and fishing levels on Pacific Sanddab are sustainable. Management of this fishery is highly effective. Pacific Sanddab are caught by bottom trawling, which can be environmentally […]Read more

Sardine, Pacific (Iwashi) – U.S. and Canada, Purse Seine

Sardines reproduce rapidly, but their populations depend on favorable ocean conditions, which have natural variability. They are important food for many fish, seabirds and marine mammals. Pacific sardines are fished with purse seines. This type of fishing gear does not make contact with the ocean floor in this fishery, and so there are low concerns […]Read more

Scad, Big-Eye (Akule) – Hawaii, Net-Caught

Big-eye Scad is a small schooling species found in tropical waters around the globe. In Hawaii, the fishery for Big-eye Scad is one of the most productive near-shore fisheries. Current abundance and fishing levels for Big-eye Scad in Hawaii are unknown. However, some management measures are in place for this species and there is no indication they […]Read more

Scad, Mackerel (Opelu) – Hawaii, Net-Caught

Mackerel Scad is a small schooling species found in tropical waters around the globe. In Hawaii, the fishery for Mackerel Scad is one of the most productive near-shore fisheries. Current abundance and fishing levels for Mackerel Scad in Hawaii are unknown. However, some management measures are in place for this species and there is no indication […]Read more

Scallop, Weathervane – Alaska

The Weathervane Scallop is a large scallop, growing up to 25 cm in shell height, distributed from central California to Alaska. They grow fast and reach sexual maturity by 4 years. Most Weathervane Scallops are caught in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea, where fishery management has established catch limits and regulations to control […]Read more

Sea Urchin, Green (Uni) – Canada

Green Sea Urchins, members of the phylum Echinodermata (“spiny skin”), are found in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. In the Pacific, their range extends from northern Washington State to the Aleutian Islands. Green Sea Urchins are prolific breeders and can live for 20-25 years. Along the coasts of northwest Canada, Green Sea Urchins are at […]Read more

Sea Urchin, Red (Uni) – Canada

Red Sea Urchins, members of the phylum Echinodermata (“spiny skin”), are found along the North American Pacific coastline from Alaska to Cedros Island, in Baja California, Mexico. They can live for 50 to over 100 years, but they reproduce at a young age and release millions of eggs at a time. Along the coasts of northwest […]Read more

Seabass, White – U.S., Handline

White Seabass are found along the U.S. Pacific coast, growing over 1.5 m in length and 40 kg in weight. They grow at a moderate rate, may live for 25 years, and can produce millions of eggs each year. The U.S. commercial fishery for White Seabass occurs in Californian waters, where abundance of White Seabass […]Read more

Shrimp (Coonstripe, Northern, Sidestripe, and Spot) – Alaska

Several species of shrimp are caught in Alaska, including Coonstripe Shrimp, Northern Shrimp, Sidestripe shrimp, and Spot Shrimp or Prawns. Abundance is generally unknown but management regulations are in place to control fishing on these species. Northern and Sidestripe Shrimp are caught with trawls, which can damage animals that live on the seafloor, but management […]Read more

Shrimp, Spot – British Columbia, Canada

The Spot Shrimp (or Spot Prawn) is a large shrimp, reaching over 23 cm (9 in.) in total length, found throughout the North Pacific Ocean. Spot Shrimp have a short life span, beginning life as males and transitioning to females at age 3 or 4. The British Columbia Spot Shrimp commercial fishery is the largest […]Read more

Skate, Longnose – U.S. West Coast

The Longnose Skate is found along the Pacific Coast of North America. Like other skates, its biology makes it vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, the fisheries that catch Longnose Skate off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) are well-managed, and abundance of Longnose Skate is above the target level. They are caught using bottom […]Read more

Smelt, Rainbow – Lake Erie (Canada)

Rainbow smelt is an invasive species in the Great Lakes region. It was first introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1930’s. It is a short-lived, rapidly growing fish and is prey for many larger species. Management of Rainbow Smelt in the Great Lakes is complicated. Rainbow Smelt are having negative impacts on native forage […]Read more

Smelt, Rainbow – Lake Huron (Canada)

Rainbow smelt is an invasive species in the Great Lakes region. It was first introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1930’s. It is a short-lived, rapidly growing fish and is prey for many larger species. Management of Rainbow Smelt in the Great Lakes is complicated. Rainbow Smelt are having negative impacts on native forage […]Read more

Smelt, Rainbow – Lake Superior, Pound Net

Rainbow smelt is an invasive species in the Great Lakes region. It was first introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1930’s. It is a short-lived, rapidly growing fish and is prey for many larger species. Management of Rainbow Smelt in the Great Lakes is complicated. Rainbow Smelt are having negative impacts on native forage […]Read more

Snapper, Lane – Hook & line

Lane Snapper are found in the Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina and Bermuda to southern Brazil, and throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean region. They reach a maximum size of 60 cm and can live for 19 years.Lane Snapper spawn offshore during summer and can produce hundreds of thousands of eggs. The abundance of […]Read more

Sole, Butter – Alaska

Butter Sole is a moderately long-lived flatfish, found from the Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands to southern California. In Alaska, Butter Sole is at a healthy abundance and fishing levels are sustainable. Management of this fishery is highly effective. Bottom trawls are used to catch Butter Sole. Bottom trawling for Butter Sole takes place […]Read more

Sole, Dover – U.S. Pacific

Dover Sole is a long-lived flatfish caught by bottom trawling along the Pacific coast of the U.S. and Canada. Dover Sole are found from the Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands to central Baja California. The abundance of Dover Sole off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) and Alaska is above target levels and […]Read more

Sole, English – U.S. West Coast

English Sole is a moderately long-lived flatfish, found from the Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands to central Baja California. It is a commercially important species off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington). The abundance of English Sole is above target levels and fishing levels on English Sole are sustainable. Management of this fishery is […]Read more

Sole, Flathead – Alaska

Flathead Sole is a long-lived flatfish, found from the Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands to northern California. The abundance of Flathead Sole off Alaska is above target levels and fishing levels on Flathead Sole are sustainable. Management of this fishery is highly effective. Bottom trawls are used to catch Flathead Sole. Bottom trawling for […]Read more

Sole, Petrale – California Groundfish Collective

Petrale Sole are a commercially important Pacific groundfish species. Petrale Sole grow at a moderate rate and can live for over 30 years. Petrale Sole are no longer considered depleted, and are rebuilding toward the target abundance level. Petrale Sole are caught by bottom trawling, which can cause high damage to bottom ocean habitats. However, […]Read more

Sole, Rex – U.S. Pacific

Rex Sole is a moderately long-lived flatfish, found from the Bering Sea to southern California. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) and Alaska, the abundance of Rex Sole is above target levels and fishing levels on Rex Sole are sustainable. Management of this fishery is highly effective. Rex Sole are caught by bottom […]Read more

Sole, Rock – Alaska

Southern and Northern Rock Soles are commercially important Pacific groundfish. Rock Soles grow at a moderate rate and can live up to 30 years. The abundance of Rock Sole off Alaska is above target levels and fishing levels on Rock Sole are sustainable. Management of this fishery is highly effective. Bottom trawls are used to […]Read more

Sole, Yellowfin – Alaska

Yellowfin Sole is a commercially important Pacific groundfish. Yellowfin Sole grows at a slow rate and can live for 31 years. The abundance of Yellowfin Sole off Alaska is above target levels and fishing levels on Yellowfin Sole are sustainable. Management of this fishery is highly effective. Bottom trawling for Yellowfin Sole takes place over […]Read more

Squid, Argentine (Ika)

Argentine Squid constitute much of the US imported squid supply. They reproduce and die quickly, often within one year, a lifecycle that potentially buffers them from heavy fishing pressure.Changes in environmental conditions influence their population sizes from year-to-year. South American and Asian distant-water jigging vessels dominate the fishery, which mainly occurs off the coasts of […]Read more

Swordfish – Harpoon, Handline

Swordfish are large, migratory fish found in temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast and mature quickly. Although harpoons and handlines are used infrequently in the commercial swordfish fisheries, these catch methods result in little to no bycatch. This makes harpoon- and handline-caught swordfish from well-managed fisheries […]Read more

Swordfish – U.S. Atlantic, Buoy Gear

Swordfish are large, migratory fish found in temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast and mature quickly. In the Atlantic Ocean, swordfish are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are sustainable. Buoy gear was developed to reduce bycatch of vulnerable species that is typical […]Read more

Tilefish, Golden – U.S. Mid Atlantic

Golden Tilefish are found along the Atlantic coast of North America, throughout the Gulf of Mexico, and down to the northern coast of South America. It is a long-lived and slow growing deep-water species, that builds and lives in burrows on the bottom of the ocean floor. Golden Tilefish are ecologically important because they modify and […]Read more

Tilefish, Golden – U.S. South Atlantic

Golden Tilefish are found along the Atlantic coast of North America, throughout the Gulf of Mexico, and down to the northern coast of South America. It is a long-lived and slow growing deep-water species, that builds and lives in burrows on the bottom of the ocean floor. Golden Tilefish are ecologically important because they modify and […]Read more

Trout, Lake – Lake Superior (Minnesota)

Lake Trout is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. It was once an important top predator in the Great Lakes ecosystem. Unfortunately, heavy fishing combined with high levels of predation by the exotic sea lamprey caused this species to decline to low levels during the mid 20th century. Today, […]Read more

Trout, Speckled – Florida and Louisiana

Speckled Trout grow fast, reach sexual maturity after their first year, and spawn millions of eggs over several months, all of which are favorable life history characteristics. Contrary to the name, Speckled Trout are not a trout species, instead being related to drums. Speckled Trout are mostly caught in the Gulf of Mexico, where most […]Read more

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. In the North Pacific, the abundance of Albacore Tuna is high and fishing levels on this species are sustainable. The U.S., Canada, and Japan all have moderately effective management in place. Fishing with pole and troll gear is highly selective, resulting in minimal […]Read more

Tuna, Albacore (BIN’NAGA MAGURO) – North Atlantic, Pole & Troll

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. The abundance of Albacore Tuna is low in both the North and South Atlantic Ocean. However, fishing levels on Albacore Tuna in the North Atlantic are sustainable. Management is moderately effective. Fishing with pole and troll gear is highly selective, resulting in minimal […]Read more

Tuna, Albacore (BIN’NAGA MAGURO) – South Pacific, Pole & Troll

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. In the South Pacific, the abundance of Albacore Tuna is high and fishing levels on this species are sustainable. Management is moderately effective. Fishing with pole and troll gear is highly selective, resulting in minimal catches of non-target species. This type of gear also […]Read more

Tuna, Skipjack (Katsuo) – Eastern Pacific, Pole & troll

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Eastern Pacific, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance. Fishing with pole and troll is […]Read more

Walleye – Red Lakes

Walleye are a fast growing freshwater fish found throughout the northern part of North America, including the Red Lakes. Walleye populations in the Red Lakes crashed in the mid-1990’s, ending commercial fishing in 1997. However, through cooperative management and recovery plans, commercial fishing opened up again in 2006, well ahead of schedule. Walleye populations are […]Read more

Whitefish, Lake – Lake Michigan (Wisconsin), Trap Net

Lake Whitefish is a fast growing freshwater fish that can reach a length of three feet, a weight of roughly 42 pounds, and live for 50 years. Lake Whitefish are found throughout the Great Lakes and are the main commercial fish species there. The abundance of Lake Whitefish has varied over time. Currently, the abundance […]Read more

Wreckfish – U.S.

Wreckfish are a slow growing, long-lived species of fish found along rocky slopes in temperate waters throughout the Atlantic Ocean and in parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In the U.S., most fishing for Wreckfish occurs on the Blake Plateau, off South Carolina and Georgia. The abundance of Wreckfish in U.S. waters is unknown, […]Read more

Yellowtail, California – Isla Natividad Mexico, Handline (Hiramasa)

California Yellowtail are found and caught commercially off California and Baja California, Mexico. They reach sexual maturity at an early age, but are relatively slow growing and known to form spawning aggregations. This rating is for the California Yellowtail fishery in Isla Natividad, Mexico managed by the Buzos y Pescadores de Baja California fishing cooperative. […]Read more

Yellowtail, California – U.S. California, Handline (Hiramasa)

California Yellowtail are found and caught commercially off California and Baja California, Mexico. They reach sexual maturity at an early age, but are relatively slow growing and known to form spawning aggregations Catches of California Yellowtail have fluctuated greatly over the years, tending to be greater during El Nino events when waters are warmer and […]Read more

Amberjack, Greater (Kanpachi) – U.S., Handline

Greater Amberjack are found in subtropical regions with circumglobal distribution and in the Western Atlantic, range from Nova Scotia southward through the Caribbean to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico. Greater Amberjack grow quickly, reaching sexual maturity at a young age of 1 year and have very high fecundity. Greater Amberjack exhibit schooling behavior as […]Read more

Anchovy, European – Adriatic Sea

European Anchovy are small, pelagic schooling fish (meaning they swim in groups near the surface) found throughout the eastern Atlantic Ocean and its associated seas. In the Adriatic Sea [a sea in the north-central Mediterranean], the abundance and fishing levels of European Anchovy are uncertain. The fisheries that target Anchovy also target Sardine and catch […]Read more

Bass, Chilean Sea – South Georgia and Kerguelen Islands

Patagonian Toothfish, more commonly known as Chilean Sea Bass, are widely distributed in the Southern Hemisphere south of 40°S latitude. It is a long-lived species that is thought to reach 50 years in age. Sexual maturity is reached between 6-12 years and fecundity is moderate. Due to its high commercial value, Patagonian Toothfish has been […]Read more

Bass, Striped (Suzuki) – U.S., Gillnets & Pound Nets

Striped Bass are a moderately growing, long-lived fish found along the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. and Canada. Since the collapse of the Striped Bass fishery in the 1980s, numbers have gradually increased due to successful management, and today Striped Bass have a high abundance throughout much of their range. Striped Bass are an important […]Read more

Bluefish – U.S., Bottom Trawls & Gillnets

Although mostly caught by recreational fishers, commercial Bluefish fishers also bring this species to market. High population growth combined with good fisheries management has seen Bluefish abundance increase over the last decade to healthy levels. Most Bluefish are caught with gillnets, but also with bottom trawls and handlines. Gillnets sometimes entangle vulnerable species like marine […]Read more

Bluenose – New Zealand, Bottom Longlines

Bluenose (or Antarctic Butterfish) is a large fish, growing to over 50 kg, found in temperate waters of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and South America. They are particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure because they are long lived, mature late, and exhibit schooling and spawning aggregation behaviors that make them easy to catch. Bluenose sold […]Read more

Bluenose – New Zealand, Midwater Trawls

Bluenose (or Antarctic Butterfish) is a large fish, growing to over 50 kg, found in temperate waters of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and South America. They are particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure because they are long lived, mature late, and exhibit schooling and spawning aggregation behaviors that make them easy to catch. Bluenose sold […]Read more

Cabezon – U.S. West Coast, Handline

Cabezon is a sculpin, found along the Pacific coast of North America. It is caught in coastal handline fisheries for rockfish in California, Oregon, and Washington. Cabezon are likely at a healthy abundance level and fishing levels on this species are sustainable. Although handline fisheries typically have low impacts on other species, this fishery catches […]Read more

Capelin (Masago, Smelt Roe) – Canada

Capelin is a small, schooling species that lives in cold waters. They are found in the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with their range extending to the waters around the North Pole. Capelin grow fast, reproducing at 2-3 years of age, and then they die. In the Canadian Atlantic, the abundance of Capelin relative to […]Read more

Clam, Atlantic Surf (Hokkigai) – U.S.

Atlantic Surf Clams are filter feeding bivalves, found from Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada to North Carolina. Regulations have prevented overfishing and promoted abundance, however biomass estimates have continually dropped since 1997. Atlantic Surf Clams reproduce at about two years of age. They can be long-lived (~ 40 years maximum). The Surf Clam fishery is […]Read more

Clam, Ocean Quahog – U.S. Atlantic

The Ocean Quahog is one of the longest-lived and slowest-growing clams in the world, which makes them vulnerable to fishing pressure. They have an average maximum age of 114 years. However, the U.S. Atlantic Ocean Quahog population is currently at a healthy abundance level. The Ocean Quahog fishery is a very ‘clean’ fishery with limited bycatch […]Read more

Cod, Atlantic – U.S. Georges Bank, Handline

Atlantic Cod are a species of groundfish that can live more than 20 years. They are found throughout the North Atlantic, and have been heavily fished for centuries driving some populations to historic low levels. In the U.S. Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank, the abundance of Atlantic Cod is low. While management efforts in […]Read more

Cod, Pacific – British Columbia

Pacific Cod is a relatively fast growing fish that can produce several hundred thousand eggs per year. They are found in coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean, from the Bering Sea to southern California in the east and to the Sea of Japan in the west. In British Columbia, Pacific Cod are moderately abundant. […]Read more

Cod, Pacific – U.S. West Coast

Pacific Cod is a relatively fast growing fish that can produce several hundred thousand eggs per year. They are found in coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean, from the Bering Sea to southern California in the east and to the Sea of Japan in the west. The abundance level of Pacific off the U.S. […]Read more

Corvina Drum

Corvina Drum is a popular fish in South America, but little information exists on its biology, abundance or fishery. They are found from Peru to Chile and around the Galapagos Islands, and are caught by hook and line, longline and gillnets. The abundance of Corvina Drum is not known but their landings have decreased over […]Read more

Crab, Atlantic Rock – Canada

Atlantic Rock Crabs are found along the Atlantic coast of North America. The Atlantic Rock Crab is fast growing and short-lived. It is typically found close to shore in shallow waters. There is a lack of scientific information collected on this species and so its abundance is uncertain. Some management regulations are in place in […]Read more

Crab, Blue (Kani) – U.S., Pots

Blue Crabs mature early and carry their eggs for a short period of time, making them more resilient to fishing pressure than other crab species. In the U.S., abundance of Blue Crabs is at moderate to healthy levels. Blue Crabs are managed by individual states and management has improved in recent years to ensure the […]Read more

Crab, Blue Swimmer – Queensland, Pot

Blue Swimmer Crab is a tropical species found in estuaries and inshore marine waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This species grows quickly, reaches sexual maturity around age one, and lives for three to four years. In Queensland, the abundance of Blue Swimmer Crab is uncertain, but several management regulations are in place to control fishing levels. Fishermen […]Read more

Crab, Blue Swimmer – South Australia (Gulf St.Vincent), Pot

Blue Swimmer Crab is a tropical species found in estuaries and inshore marine waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This species grows quickly, reaches sexual maturity around age one, and lives for three to four years. In South Australia there are two main fishing areas for Blue Swimmer Crab: Spencer Gulf and Gulf St. Vincent. Blue Swimmer Crab abundance […]Read more

Blue Swimmer Crab is a tropical species found in estuaries and inshore marine waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This species grows quickly, reaches sexual maturity around age one, and lives for three to four years. In Western Australia there are three main fishing areas for Blue Swimmer Crab: Cockburn Sound, Peel-Harvey Estuary, and Shark Bay. Blue Swimmer Crab abundance […]Read more

Crab, Brown – UK

Brown Crabs are found, and commercially fished, along the west coast of Europe, including the United Kingdom. They grow at moderate rates by repeatedly moulting their shell and reach sexual maturity at 4 to 7 years of age. The abundance of Brown Crabs is mostly unknown throughout much of their range. Abundance in some UK […]Read more

Crab, Dungeness – U.S. and Canada.

Dungeness Crabs live in shallow coastal waters from Alaska to Mexico and are named after the Dungeness Spit along the south (U.S.) shore of the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Dungeness Crabs have a short life cycle and become sexually mature after two years. The crabs typically mate in the spring, and the mating process […]Read more

Crab, King (Kani) – U.S.

In the U.S., there are three commercial King Crab species – Red, Blue and Golden King Crab – all caught in Alaskan waters. King Crabs typically mature around 5-7 years of age and can have a leg span of 6 feet. Most King Crab populations are at healthy levels of abundance and not considered overfished. […]Read more

Crab, Pacific Rock

Rock Crabs are found along the Pacific coast of North America from Alaska to Mexico on rocky reefs and soft substrate. They are short-lived and fast growing animals. This report evaluates the Oregon and California rock crab fisheries for three species: Red, Brown, and Yellow (California only) Rock Crabs. Abundance of Rock Crabs is unknown […]Read more

Snow Crabs become sexually mature around four years and can produce hundreds of thousands of eggs. The Snow Crab population in Eastern Nova Scotia is at a healthy abundance level, while Snow Crab abundance in Newfoundland and Labrador is uncertain. Pots, which moderately impact the seafloor, are the only fishing equipment used to catch Snow […]Read more

Crab, Tanner (Kani) – U.S. and Canada

Tanner Crabs become sexually mature around six years of age and can produce hundreds of thousands of eggs. The Tanner Crab fisheries, once classified as overfished, are in the process of rebuilding and effective management is in place. Pots, which moderately impact the seafloor, are the only fishing equipment used to catch Tanner Crabs. Bycatch […]Read more

Crayfish / Crawfish – Louisiana

Crayfish (or crawfish) are found and caught worldwide in freshwater swamps, marshes and slow flowing rivers. They are short-lived and fast growing animals. This report evaluates the wild caught crayfish fishery in Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin using baited crayfish traps. The abundance and fishing level of crayfish in the Atchafalaya Basin is unknown, since no population […]Read more

Dogfish, Spiny – British Columbia, Bottom Longline

Spiny Dogfish is a widely distributed small shark, found in temperate waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the Pacific, they are found from the Bering Sea to Baja California. Like other sharks, they are slow growing, long-lived, and have low reproductive rates, which makes them vulnerable to high fishing pressure. However, the Spiny […]Read more

Drum, Black- U.S. Gulf of Mexico

Black Drum is a large, shallow water species, growing up to 1.2 m (4 ft) in length and 54 kg (120 lbs) in weight. They are found in the western Atlantic from Canada to Argentina, including the Gulf of Mexico. Black Drum grows at slow to moderate rates, becomes sexually mature around 5 years and […]Read more

Drum, Red

Red Drum is large fish, growing up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in length, found in the western Atlantic, including the Gulf of Mexico, from the central U.S. to northern Mexico. They are long-lived, but become sexually mature at a relatively early age. Commercial fishing for Red Drum is prohibited in federal and most state […]Read more

Flounder, Arrowtooth – British Columbia

Arrowtooth Flounder is a moderately long-lived flatfish, found from northern California to the Bering Sea. In British Columbia, the abundance of Arrowtooth Flounder is uncertain. Arrowtooth flounder are caught by bottom trawling, which can be environmentally destructive to the hard bottom habitats that Arrowtooth Flounder are found over. However, there are a some spatial restrictions in place […]Read more

Flounder, Arrowtooth – U.S. West Coast

Arrowtooth Flounder is a moderately long-lived flatfish, found from northern California to the Bering Sea. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), abundance of Arrowtooth Flounder is above target levels and fishing levels on Arrowtooth Flounder are sustainable. Management of this fishery is highly effective. Arrowtooth flounder are caught by bottom trawling, which can be environmentally […]Read more

Flounder, Summer – U.S. Atlantic

Summer flounder inhabit estuarine and coastal waters off the northeast east coast of the US, from the Gulf of Maine to South Carolina. Summer flounder mature early, produce many eggs and spawn often over the spawning season. The Summer Flounder population was once overfished but has now rebuilt to healthy abundance levels. In the commercial […]Read more

Flounder, Windowpane – U.S. Southern New England and Mid Atlantic

Windowpane Flounder are a fast growing species of flatfish found in the Northwest Atlantic from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Florida. Windowpane Flounder populations in southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic are healthy and are currently fished at an appropriate level. Most Windowpane Flounder are caught by bottom trawls, which damage bottom habitats and […]Read more

Winter Flounder is a fast growing flatfish, distributed along the Atlantic coast from Labrador to North Carolina. They are typically found in inshore bays and estuaries in the winter and deeper waters in the summer. There are three managed populations of Winter Flounder – Georges Bank, Gulf of Maine and southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Bight. The […]Read more

Flounder, Yellowtail – U.S. Southern New England and Mid Atlantic

Yellowtail Flounder is a fast growing flatfish that produces many young and reaches a maximum size of 22 inches and 2 lbs. Yellowtail Flounder occur in the Northwest Atlantic from northern Newfoundland to the lower part of the Chesapeake Bay. The Yellowtail Flounder populations in southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic regions are currently at […]Read more

Greenling, Kelp – U.S. West Coast, Handline

Kelp Greenling is a caught in coastal handline fisheries for rockfish in California, Oregon, and Washington, but is most commonly found further north in Alaska. The abundance of Kelp Greenling is unknown. Although handline fisheries typically have low impacts on other species, this fishery catches some depleted species. Full species report here.Read more

Grenadier, Pacific and Giant – U.S. California, Oregon, Washington

Grenadiers, also called rattails, are found in deep ocean waters. They have large heads, a slender body, and a very thin tail. There are limited markets for Pacific and Giant Grenadiers, but some are caught and retained in U.S. West Coast groundfish bottom trawl and bottom longline fisheries. While these bottom gears can be environmentally […]Read more

Grouper, Black – U.S.

In the U.S., Black Grouper are found from Massachusetts to Texas but the majority of Black Grouper are caught in South Florida. They are found in shallower waters than other grouper species. Black Grouper only accounts for about 1% of the U.S. grouper catch. Black Grouper can grow to 220 lbs. and change sex from female […]Read more

Grouper, Gag – U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Handline

Gag Grouper is found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to southern Brazil. In U.S. waters, there are two Gag Grouper populations: South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Gag Grouper caught with handlines in the Gulf of Mexico account for 5% of all U.S. grouper catches. Gag Grouper are protogynous hermaphrodites beginning their lives as females […]Read more

Grouper, Hawaiian (Hapu’upu’u) – Hawaii

Hawaiian Grouper is a large-bodied, long-lived grouper, found only in waters off the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll. These traits make them highly vulnerable to fishing pressure. In Hawaii, Hawaiian Grouper are caught in a mixed fishery with six deep water snappers, which collectively are called the Hawaii Deep 7 Bottomfish complex. These species are managed through annual […]Read more

Grouper, Red – U.S.

Red Grouper are found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to southern Brazil but are most commonly found along the west coast of Florida to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Red Grouper account for 73% of all U.S. grouper catches. Red Grouper begin life as females and transition to males between 7 and 16 years […]Read more

Haddock – U.S. Georges Bank

In the U.S. Georges Bank, Haddock have recovered to have a healthy abundance level, after being depleted from many years of overfishing. Most Haddock are caught using habitat-damaging bottom trawls but also with bottom longlines and handlines. All fishing methods catch several species in addition to Haddock and some of these species are depleted or at […]Read more

Hake, Silver

Silver Hake is a fast-growing cod-like-fish found from Newfoundland to South Carolina. Two populations occur in U.S. waters, with the northern population having medium abundance while the southern population has low abundance. The U.S. populations are managed by the New England Fishery Management Council under a small mesh multispecies management plan. The Hake fishery off […]Read more

Hake, White – U.S. Atlantic

White Hake is a bottom-dwelling fish species (or ‘groundfish’) typically found in the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Hatteras to southern Labrador and are primarily caught using three types of gear; bottom longline, bottom trawl, and bottom gillnet. White Hake in the U.S. Atlantic were once depleted, but have now recovered to a healthy abundance level. They […]Read more

Halibut, California (Hirame) – U.S. Pacific, Bottom Trawl and Gillnet

California Halibut is a flatfish found along the Pacific coast of North America, primarily from central California to southern Baja California, Mexico. They grow slowly, may live for 30 years, and generally become sexually mature within four years. The abundance of California Halibut varies within California, being high in the central region and at a […]Read more

Herring, Atlantic – U.S., Mid-water Trawl

Atlantic Herring are found along the Atlantic coast of North America from Labrador to Cape Hatteras. They mature at 2–4 years and can live 15–18 years. Herring support a substantial bait industry for lobster, blue crab and tuna fisheries. They are also sold as steaks, kippers and are one of many species sold in the U.S. as […]Read more

Herring, Pacific – British Columbia

Pacific Herring are found in coastal waters throughout the North Pacific from Southern California to Korea. Herring are caught for their roe, spawn on kelp, food and bait products. Off the coast of British Columbia, the abundance of Pacific Herring varies among areas. In some areas, there is concern as to whether fishing levels are sustainable. […]Read more

Lingcod – British Columbia

Lingcod, which aren’t actually related to cod, are found along the west coast of North America and live on the ocean bottom. Males can be especially sedentary, establishing territories before spawning and guarding fertilized eggs until they hatch. Lingcod were once depleted, but are now considered rebuilt. Most commercially caught Lingcod are taken along with other […]Read more

Lingcod – U.S. West Coast, Nearshore Handline

Lingcod, which aren’t actually related to cod, are found along the west coast of North America and live on the ocean bottom. Males can be especially sedentary, establishing territories before spawning and guarding fertilized eggs until they hatch. Lingcod were once depleted, but are now considered rebuilt. Fishing levels on the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Lobster, American – U.S. Georges Bank, U.S. Gulf of Maine & Canada

American Lobsters are found off the Atlantic coast of North America from Newfoundland to Virginia. They can grow to a large size of 18kg (40lbs) and reach sexual maturity between 5-10 years old. In the U.S., the abundance of American Lobster varies between regions. The Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank populations are at healthy […]Read more

Lobster, California Spiny – U.S. California

The California Spiny Lobster fishery is a small but locally important fishery in southern California. Abundance of Spiny Lobsters off California varies with broad-scale changes in environmental conditions caused by El Nino and La Nina. Overall abundance appears stable and management of the fishery is moderately effective. Fishermen use traps to catch Spiny Lobster. There […]Read more

Lobster, Caribbean Spiny – Bahamas

Caribbean Spiny Lobsters grow fast, are highly fecund (very fertile), and can live up to 20 years. In the Bahamas, the Caribbean Spiny Lobster population is stable. Fishing occurs with traps and by diving with the use of casitas (shelters) and/or SCUBA gear. The fishing methods are highly selective, resulting in minimal catches of non-target […]Read more

Lobster, Caribbean Spiny – U.S. Florida

Caribbean Spiny Lobsters grow fast, are highly fecund (very fertile), and can live up to 20 years. All U.S. catches of Caribbean Spiny Lobster occur in Florida. The abundance of Caribbean Spiny Lobster in Florida is uncertain, but the fishery is well-managed. However the pots or traps used to catch them may damage the hard […]Read more

Norway Lobster are found throughout the Northeast Atlantic, from Iceland south to Morocco. They live in burrows in muddy or sandy habitats. There are many different Norway Lobster populations. The fishing level on the Norway Lobster population in Kattegat and Skagerrak is sustainable, and abundance appears stable. Abundance and fishing levels are uncertain for the […]Read more

Lobster, Norway – Trap or Creel

Norway Lobster are found throughout the Northeast Atlantic, from Iceland south to Morocco. They live in burrows in muddy or sandy habitats. There are many different Norway Lobster populations. While most Norway Lobster are caught with bottom trawls, a small amount are caught with traps or creels in Kattegat, Skagerrak, and West Scotland. The trap fisheries […]Read more

Mackerel, Atlantic (Saba) – U.S., Trawl

Atlantic Mackerel are fast swimmers found throughout the Atlantic Ocean that mature within 3 years. In U.S. waters, the current abundance of Atlantic Mackerel is uncertain. Mackerel play an important role in the ecosystem, providing food for a variety of larger fish, such as sharks, bluefin tuna, and marine mammals. In the U.S. most Atlantic Mackerel […]Read more

Mackerel, King – U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Handline

King Mackerel inhabit coastal waters along the Eastern seaboard of the U.S.. They were overfished in the mid-1980s, but have rebounded to achieve high abundance today. Conservative management measures now govern the fisheries for King Mackerel. The handline gear used to catch King Mackerel does not typically contact bottom habitats. However, in the Gulf of Mexico handline […]Read more

Mackerel, Spanish (Sawara) – U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Handline

Spanish Mackerel inhabit coastal waters along the Eastern seaboard of the U.S.. They have have recovered from years of overfishing to achieve high abundance today. They are important to recreational as well as commercial fishers. The handline gear used to catch Spanish Mackerel does not typically contact bottom habitats. However, in the Gulf of Mexico […]Read more

Mahimahi – Ecuador, Longline

Mahimahi produce many eggs, grow quickly, and reach sexual maturity at a young age, making them resilient to fishing pressure. No formal population assessments have been completed in any region, so their current population sizes are not known. Mahimahi are caught by a variety of fishing gears including longlines. This type of fishing also captures […]Read more

Mahimahi – U.S., Longline

Mahimahi produce many eggs, grow quickly, and reach sexual maturity at a young age, making them resilient to fishing pressure. No formal population assessments have been completed in any region, so their current population sizes are not known. Mahimahi are caught by a variety of fishing gears including longlines. This type of fishing also captures […]Read more

Mahimahi – U.S. Hawaii and Imported, Pole and Troll

Fast-growing and short-lived, Mahimahi populations can potentially withstand high fishing pressure. No formal population assessments have been done in any region, however, so their overall abundance is unknown. Pole-and-line and troll fishing methods typically result in low levels of bycatch. However in some fisheries, there are concerns about targeted catches of tuna species that are […]Read more

Marlin, Blue – Hawaii

Blue Marlin is a large pelagic species, found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. This assessment is for Blue Marlin caught in the U.S. Hawaii fishery only. Blue Marlin mature early, produce many eggs, and grow fast, reaching sizes up to 450 cm and 900 kg. The last population assessment for Blue Marlin in the Pacific […]Read more

Menhaden, Atlantic – Purse Seine

Atlantic menhaden are found in coastal waters along the Atlantic coast of North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida. The Atlantic Menhaden fishery is one of the largest on the U.S. East Coast. The majority of Atlantic Menhaden are ground up for use in fish oil dietary supplements, fertilizers, and animal feed. Some Menhaden are also […]Read more

Menhaden, Gulf – Purse Seine

Gulf Menhaden range from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, across the Gulf of Mexico, to Tampa Bay, Florida, but are most abundant from eastern Texas to western Alabama. The Gulf Menhaden fishery is one of the largest in the U.S. The majority of Gulf Menhaden are ground up for use in fish oil dietary supplements, fertilizers, and […]Read more

Monkfish (Anko, Ankimo) – U.S.

Monkfish grow slowly but mature quickly and are typically found in dense aggregations (large groups) on mud and sand bottoms along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. and Canada. They were traditionally caught as bycatch and discarded until the 1980s when market demand first grew in Asia and Europe, and later in North America. Monkfish […]Read more

Mullet, Red – Northeast Atlantic, Gillnet Caught

Red Mullet are found in the Northeast Atlantic from the North Sea to the northwestern coast of Africa, as well in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. They are short lived, with a maximum life span of 10 years, and reach sexual maturity at 1-2 years of age. In the Northeast Atlantic, Red Mullet are primarily […]Read more

Octopus, Common (Tako) – Spain and Portugal, Pot and Trap-caught

Common Octopus are wide-ranging and have short lifespans. In Spain and Portugal, the abundance of the Common Octopus is uncertain, but likely stable. In Spain and Portugal, Common Octopus are caught with pots and traps, and also with bottom trawls in mixed-species fisheries. The pot and trap fisheries catch low amounts of non-target species and […]Read more

Octopus, Day – Hawaii

The Day Octopus ranges across the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific region, from Hawaii to East Africa, and is the most common octopus found in Hawaii. It is called the Day Octopus because it is active during daylight hours. The Day Octopus lives for approximately one year, and females can produce high numbers of eggs. The […]Read more

Octopus, Night – Hawaii

The Night Octopus ranges across the tropical Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is called the Night Octopus because it is active at night, hiding inside the reef during the day. The Night Octopus is fast growing, short-lived and females can produce large numbers of eggs. The commercial octopus fishery is the largest invertebrate fishery […]Read more

Opah – Hawaii

Opah is a pelagic species of fish (swims near the surface) found throughout all tropical and temperate oceans. It can grow to six and a half feet in length, approximately 550 pounds in weight, and may live for 11 years. Opah in the Pacific Ocean is probably at a medium level of abundance, however no […]Read more

Oyster, Eastern – U.S. Atlantic

Eastern Oysters are found along the eastern coast of North America, from Canada to Mexico, including the Gulf of Mexico and some Caribbean islands. They grow very quickly, reach sexual maturity within several months, and can release tens of millions of eggs each year. Population sizes of Eastern Oysters vary by region, being severely depleted […]Read more

Perch, Yellow – Lake Erie (Canada), Bottom Gillnet

Yellow Perch is primarily a freshwater species of fish, found throughout much of the east and mid-west regions of the US and Canada. They are fast growing and reach sexual maturity within two to three years. In the Great Lakes region, the abundance of Yellow Perch has fluctuated over the years. Lake Erie has the […]Read more

Perch, Yellow – Lake Erie (Ohio), Trap Net

Yellow Perch is primarily a freshwater species of fish, found throughout much of the east and mid-west regions of the US and Canada. They are fast growing and reach sexual maturity within two to three years. In the Great Lakes region, the abundance of Yellow Perch has fluctuated over the years. Lake Erie has the […]Read more

Perch, Yellow – Lake Huron

Yellow Perch is primarily a freshwater species of fish, found throughout much of the east and mid-west regions of the US and Canada. They are fast growing and reach sexual maturity within two to three years. In the Great Lakes region, the abundance of Yellow Perch has fluctuated over the years. In Lake Huron, Yellow […]Read more

Perch, Yellow – Lake Michigan

Yellow Perch is primarily a freshwater species of fish, found throughout much of the east and mid-west regions of the US and Canada. They are fast growing and reach sexual maturity within two to three years. In the Great Lakes region, the abundance of Yellow Perch has fluctuated over the years. In Lake Michigan, the […]Read more

Perch, Yellow – Lake Ontario (Canada)

Yellow Perch is primarily a freshwater species of fish, found throughout much of the east and mid-west regions of the US and Canada. They are fast growing and reach sexual maturity within two to three years. In the Great Lakes region, the abundance of Yellow Perch has fluctuated over the years. In Lake Ontario, abundance […]Read more

Perch, Yellow – Lake Superior

Yellow Perch is primarily a freshwater species of fish, found throughout much of the east and mid-west regions of the US and Canada. They are fast growing and reach sexual maturity within two to three years. In the Great Lakes region, the abundance of Yellow Perch has fluctuated over the years. In Lake Superior, fishing […]Read more

Plaice, American – U.S.

American Plaice are flatfish that live on both sides of the Atlantic. They grow slowly, reach sexual maturity between three to seven years of age and can live to be 30. U.S. American Plaice populations are rebuilding and current fishing levels are appropriate. Most American Plaice are caught with bottom trawls, which damage seafloor habitat […]Read more

Pollock, Atlantic – U.S. and Canada

Pollock are found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean but are more numerous and widespread in European than in American waters. They are fished in many places in their range. Atlantic Pollock reach sexual maturity between three and eight years of age and can live for at least 20 years and grow at moderate […]Read more

Rockfish, Black – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), Black Rockfish is moderately abundant. Black Rockfish are caught with handlines in nearshore waters. This gear […]Read more

Rockfish, Black-and-Yellow – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, the Black-and-Yellow Rockfish is only moderately vulnerable to fishing pressure. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), the abundance of Black-and-Yellow Rockfish is uncertain. […]Read more

Rockfish, Blackgill – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years is helping many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Blackspotted – Alaska Bering Sea Aleutian Islands

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However Blackspotted Rockfish in Alaska are at a healthy abundance level and the fishery is well-managed. Blackspotted Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in […]Read more

Rockfish, Blue – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), Blue Rockfish is moderately abundant. Blue Rockfish are caught with handlines in nearshore waters. This gear has […]Read more

Rockfish, Bocaccio – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years is helping many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Brown – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, the Black and Yellow Rockfish is only moderately vulnerable to fishing pressure. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), the abundance of Black and […]Read more

Rockfish, Canary – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However Canary Rockfish in British Columbia are at a healthy abundance level. Canary Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in British Columbia that limit the […]Read more

Rockfish, Canary – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years is helping many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Chilipepper – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years is helping many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, China – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), fishing levels on China Rockfish are currently too high in the north, but are sustainable in the […]Read more

Rockfish, Darkblotched – U.S. West Coast, Bottom Trawl

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years is helping many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Grass – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), the abundance of Grass Rockfish is uncertain, but fishing levels on this species are likely sustainable. Grass […]Read more

Rockfish, Greenstriped – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. The abundance of Greenstriped Rockfish in British Columbia is uncertain, but is increasing. Greenstriped Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in British Columbia that limit […]Read more

Rockfish, Greenstriped – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years is helping many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Longspine Thornyhead – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. In British Columbia, the abundance of Longspine Thornyhead is uncertain, but fishing levels on this species are low. Longspine Thornyhead are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in […]Read more

Rockfish, Pacific Ocean Perch – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, Pacific Ocean Perch are moderately abundant in British Columbia. Pacific Ocean Perch are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in British Columbia that limit the use […]Read more

Rockfish, Pacific Ocean Perch – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years is helping many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Quillback – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. The abundance of Quillback Rockfish in British Columbia is uncertain, but fishing levels on this species are likely sustainable. Quillback Rockfish are caught with bottom longline, jig, and troll. These gears can cause some damage to bottom […]Read more

Rockfish, Rougheye – Alaska

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, Rougheye Rockfish in Alaska are at a healthy abundance level and the fishery is well-managed. Rougheye Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in […]Read more

Rockfish, Rougheye – U.S. West Coast, Bottom Trawl

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Past heavy fishing depleted many Rockfish species, but effective management in recent years is helping many species to recover. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, […]Read more

Rockfish, Shortraker – Alaska

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. In Alaska, the abundance of Shortraker Rockfish in uncertain in the Bering Sea, but is at a healthy level in the Gulf of Alaska. The fishery is well-managed. Shortraker Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be […]Read more

Rockfish, Shortspine Thornyhead – Alaska

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, Shortspine Thornyhead in Alaska are moderately abundant and fishing levels on this species are likely sustainable. Shortspine Thornyhead are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place […]Read more

Rockfish, Silvergrey – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, Silvergrey Rockfish in British Columbia is at a healthy abundance level. Silvergrey Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in British Columbia that limit the […]Read more

Rockfish, Tiger – British Columbia (Inside Fishery)

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are no recent assessments of Tiger Rockfish in British Columbia so its abundance is unknown. Tiger Rockfish are caught with bottom longlines, jig, and troll, which have low impacts on bottom ocean habitats. There are two management […]Read more

Rockfish, Vermilion – U.S. West Coast

There are over 70 species of Rockfish found along the U.S. West Coast. Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), the abundance of Vermilion Rockfish is uncertain but fishing levels on this species are likely sustainable. Vermilion […]Read more

Rockfish, Yelloweye – British Columbia (Inside Fishery)

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are two management areas for Yelloweye Rockfish in British Columbia; the inside area (waters between Vancouver Island and the mainland) and the outside area (remainder of the coast). The inside population is depleted but fishing levels […]Read more

Rockfish, Yellowmouth – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, Yellowmouth Rockfish in British Columbia is at a healthy abundance level. Yellowmouth Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in British Columbia that limit the use […]Read more

Rockfish, Yellowtail – British Columbia (Inside Fishery)

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are two management areas for Yellowtail Rockfish in British Columbia; the inside area (waters between Vancouver Island and the mainland) and the outside area (remainder of the coast). The abundance of the Yellowtail Rockfish is uncertain, […]Read more

Sablefish – British Columbia

Sablefish is a moderately growing, long-lived species that is found in deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, from northern Alaska to Baja California. In British Columbia, Sablefish are caught primarily with bottom longlines and trawls. Bottom trawls can be environmentally destructive; however there are a number of spatial restrictions in place that limit the use of […]Read more

Sablefish – U.S. West Coast, Bottom Trawl and Longline

Sablefish is a moderately growing, long-lived species that is found in deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, from northern Alaska to Baja California. Off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) Sablefish abundance is currently at a medium level, but is declining. Fishing levels on Sablefish have fluctuated around sustainable levels in recent years. Sablefish […]Read more

Five species of Salmon – Chum, Chinook (AKA King Salmon), Coho, Pink, and Sockeye – are found in the waters off Washington, Oregon and California. All five species spawn in freshwater, spend part of their life in the ocean and then return to freshwater to spawn. Sexual maturity is reached between two to seven years […]Read more

Salmon, Chum – British Columbia, Canada

Chum Salmon is an anadromous fish, meaning it migrates from freshwaters to ocean waters to feed for several years and then back to freshwaters to reproduce. They are found in the North Pacific Ocean, with many distinct reproductive populations occurring along the coasts of North America and Asia. They reach sexual maturity between 3-5 years […]Read more

Salmon, Coho (Sake, Ikura) – British Columbia, Canada

Coho Salmon are a fast-growing fish found throughout the North Pacific, and in British Columbia, Canada they are found in most coastal streams and rivers. After spending 18 months at sea, adult Coho Salmon return to the stream in which they hatched to spawn and subsequently die. Survival of juvenile Coho Salmon in the ocean […]Read more

Salmon, King (Sake, Ikura) – BC

Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon, are the largest of the Pacific Salmon species, reaching weights of approximately 132 pounds and becoming sexually mature around four years of age. Found throughout the North Pacific, Chinook Salmon complete large migrations of up to 1000 miles to return to their birth river, where they spawn and […]Read more

A small reefnet fishery for Sockeye Salmon occurs in the Fraser River around Lummi and San Juan Islands, Washington State. A reefnet is a native tribal method, that’s been adapted for commercial fishing. The fishing gear is carried between two boats and acts as artificial reefs that direct salmon into the net. Summer-run Sockeye in the […]Read more

Sardines are a pelagic, schooling fish (meaning they swim in groups near the surface) which grow fast and become sexually mature within two years. Sardines are an important commercial species in the eastern Atlantic, off the European and African coasts. Total annual catch is approximately 1 million tons, with many populations having low levels of abundance […]Read more

Scad, Big-Eye (Akule) – Hawaii, Handline

Big-eye Scad is a small schooling species found in tropical waters around the globe. In Hawaii, the fishery for Big-eye Scad is one of the most productive near-shore fisheries. Current abundance and fishing levels for Big-eye Scad in Hawaii are unknown. However, some management measures are in place for this species and there is no indication they […]Read more

Scad, Mackerel (Opelu) – Hawaii, Handline

Mackerel Scad is a small schooling fish found in tropical waters around the globe. In Hawaii, the fishery for Mackerel Scad is one of the most productive near-shore fisheries. Current abundance and fishing levels for Mackerel Scad in Hawaii are unknown. However, some management measures are in place for this species and there is no indication […]Read more

Scallop, Bay

Bay Scallops are found in shallow estuaries and bays along the US Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. They typically live for 2 years, and become sexually mature at 1 year. They are commercially fished in Massachusetts, New York and North Carolina, and are primarily caught using small dredges. These dredges are destructive to seafloor […]Read more

Scallop, Mexican Bay

Mexican Bay Scallops are distributed from Baja California, Mexico to Northern Peru, including both sides of the Baja California Peninsula. They grow quickly, reach sexual maturity around 6 months of age and produce many eggs. After heavy fishing pressure that caused numbers to drop considerably, Mexican Bay Scallops are thought to be at healthy levels […]Read more

Scallop, Peruvian Calico

The Peruvian Calico Scallop is a fast growing and short-lived marine bivalve, found in shallow waters. Peruvian Calico Scallop abundance and landings are highly variable and correlated to El Nino Southern Oscillations cycles (ENSO). In southern Peru, biomass and landings increase greatly during ENSO events and then subsequently decline to low levels, whereas in northern […]Read more

Scallop, Queen

Queen Scallops are a fast growing, large marine bivalve found in the northeastern Atlantic from Norway to the Canary Islands, including the North, Irish, and Mediterranean Seas. The major fisheries for Queen Scallop are conducted by the United Kingdom, France, the Faroe Islands and the Isle of Man. In the Irish Sea around the Isle […]Read more

Scallop, Scottish King

The Scottish Scallop is a large marine bivalve found in the northeastern Atlantic from Norway to Spain. Scottish Scallops lie partly buried in the sediment on the seafloor, and are relatively fast growing and reach sexual maturity at an early age. They are commercially important throughout their range, but the majority of landings are taken […]Read more

Scallop, Sea (Hotate) – U.S. and Canadian Atlantic

Sea Scallops are typically found on sand and gravel bottoms. They grow quickly and mature at a young age, traits that make them resilient to fishing pressure In the U.S. Sea Scallops were once overfished but have since recovered, thanks to effective management. In Canada, Sea Scallops are also at a healthy abundance. Fishers use bottom […]Read more

Scup

Scup are primarily found in the northwest Atlantic from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to South Carolina. Scup have large migrations, moving from coastal waters in summer to offshore waters in winter. Scup reach sexual maturity between two to three years of age and spawn once a year between May and August. Fisheries management for Scup is […]Read more

Sea Urchin, Red – California

Red Sea Urchins, members of the phylum Echinodermata (“spiny skin”), are found along the North American Pacific coastline from Alaska to Cedros Island, in Baja California, Mexico. They can live for 50 to over 100 years, but they reproduce at a young age and release millions of eggs at a time. Red Sea Urchins in California […]Read more

Seabass, White – U.S., Gillnet

White Seabass are found along the U.S. Pacific coast, growing over 1.5 m in length and 40 kg in weight. They grow at a moderate rate, may live for 25 years, and can produce millions of eggs each year. The U.S. commercial fishery for White Seabass occurs in Californian waters, where abundance of White Seabass […]Read more

Seabream, Black – France: English Channel, Mid-water trawl

Black Seabream are found in the northeast Atlantic from Norway south to the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands. This species is primarily consumed in Europe. Black Seabream are hermaphrodites, first maturing as a female at 2-3 years old, and later changing sex to male. In the English Channel, Black Seabream are caught by France and the […]Read more

Seabream, Black – UK: English Channel, Handline & Gillnet

Black Seabream are found in the northeast Atlantic from Norway south to the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands. This species is primarily consumed in Europe. Black Seabream are hermaphrodites, first maturing as a female at 2-3 years old, and later changing sex to male. In the English Channel, Black Seabream are caught by France and the […]Read more

Shrimp – U.S. Florida, Skimmer Trawl

Several species of shrimp are commercially caught in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, including White Shrimp, Brown Shrimp, Pink Shrimp, Rock Shrimp, Royal Red Shrimp, and Seabob Shrimp. All Shrimp species are short-lived and produce many young. The abundances of Shrimp vary according to environmental conditions. Shrimp trawling damages benthic (seafloor) habitat […]Read more

Shrimp – U.S. Southeast, Bottom Trawl

Several species of shrimp are commercially caught in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, including White Shrimp, Brown Shrimp, Pink Shrimp, Rock Shrimp, Royal Red Shrimp, and Seabob Shrimp. All Shrimp species are short-lived and produce many young. The abundances of Shrimp vary according to environmental conditions. Shrimp trawling damages benthic (seafloor) habitat […]Read more

Shrimp, Dock (Coonstripe) – U.S. California

Dock Shrimp is known as Coonstripe Shrimp in California. This species is found from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico. Like other shrimps, they grow and sexually mature quickly. Little is known about the health of the Dock Shrimp population In California. Fishing occurs with traps/pots. This fishing method causes moderate habitat damage and […]Read more

Shrimp, Pink & Sidestripe – British Columbia, Canada

Pink Shrimp and Sidestripe Shrimp are coldwater shrimp species, found along the North American Pacific coast. Like other shrimp, they grow and sexually mature quickly. In British Columbia, Canada the Pink Shrimp and Sidestripe Shrimp populations are healthy and managers effectively control fishing levels. These shrimp are caught with trawls, which can cause damage to […]Read more

Shrimp, Pink – U.S. California & Washington

Pink Shrimp are a coldwater shrimp species, found from California to Alaska. They change sex from male to female after their first year of life. Little is known about the population of Pink Shrimp in the U.S. These shrimp are caught with trawls, which can cause damage to the sand and mud habitats that this […]Read more

Shrimp, Ridgeback – U.S. California

Ridgeback Shrimp are found in the Pacific Ocean along the coast of southern California from Monterey Bay to Baja California, Mexico. They live for a maximum of 5 years and reach sexual maturity by two years of age. In California, both the catches and the abundance of Ridgeback Shrimp fluctuate greatly from year to year. […]Read more

Shrimp, Spot – U.S. Washington & California

The Spot Shrimp (or Spot Prawn) is large shrimp, reaching over 23 cm (9 in.) in total length, found throughout the North Pacific Ocean. Spot Shrimp have a short life span, beginning life as males and transitioning to females at age 3 or 4. In the small commercial Spot Shrimp fisheries in Washington and California […]Read more

Sickle Pomfret – Hawaii

Sickle Pomfret are found in tropical waters throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans but little information on their life history or abundance is available. The information that does exist, suggests Sickle Pomfret grow quickly during the first year of life and live for 8 years. While not targeted specifically, Sickle Pomfret are caught in pelagic […]Read more

Skate, Big – British Columbia

Big Skate is found along the Pacific Coast of North America. Like other skates, its biology makes it vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, in British Columbia, Big Skate is moderately abundant and fishing levels are thought to be sustainable. Bottom longlines and bottom trawls are used to catch Big Skate. Bottom longlines cause moderate damage […]Read more

Skate, Big – U.S. West Coast

Big Skate is found along the Pacific Coast of North America. Like other skates, its biology makes it vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, the fisheries that catch this species off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) are well-managed. Fishing levels on Big Skate are likely low, but its abundance is unknown. They are caught […]Read more

Skate, California – U.S. West Coast

California Skate is found along the Pacific Coast of North America. Like other skates, its biology makes it vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, the fisheries that catch this species off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) are well-managed. Fishing levels on California Skate are likely low, but its abundance is unknown. They are caught […]Read more

Smelt, Rainbow – Lake Superior, Bottom Gillnet

Rainbow smelt is an invasive species in the Great Lakes region. It was first introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1930’s. It is a short-lived, rapidly growing fish and is prey for many larger species. Management of Rainbow Smelt in the Great Lakes is complicated. Rainbow Smelt are having negative impacts on native forage […]Read more

Smelt, Rainbow – Northwestern Atlantic

Smelt is a short-lived, rapidly maturing species of fish commercially harvested in Canadian estuaries of the northwestern Atlantic. Unfortunately this fishery is not properly assessed and abundance estimates are unreliable. Each year, Smelt migrate from the coastal brackish and saltwater habitat to freshwater streams to spawn in late April and May. There is no commercial fishing […]Read more

Snapper, Deep-Water Red (Ehu) – Hawaii

The Deep-water Red Snapper (Ehu) is a large-bodied, moderately long-lived snapper, found in deep tropical and subtropical waters across the Indo-Pacific from Hawaii to East Africa. In Hawaii, Deep-water Red Snapper are caught in a mixed fishery with other deep water snappers and groupers, which collectively are called the Hawaii Deep 7 Bottomfish complex. These species are […]Read more

Snapper, Gray / Jobfish, Green (Uku) – Hawaii

The Gray Snapper (or Green Jobfish) is a shallow-water snapper found throughout the western Pacific and Indian Ocean, often found on coral reefs. They gather in large numbers in the summer to reproduce, or spawn, a behavior which make them easy targets to fisherman, increasing their vulnerability to overfishing. The largest numbers of Gray Snapper are […]Read more

Snapper, Hog (Hogfish) – Traps & Spears

Hog Snapper are found in tropical and subtropical reefs in the western Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. They are particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure because they are slow growers, relatively long-lived, and change sex from females to males as they age. Commercial fishing for Hog Snapper occurs off Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and […]Read more

Snapper, Kalekale – Hawaii

Kalekale is a large-bodied, moderately long-lived snapper, found in deep tropical and subtropical waters across the Indo-Pacific from Hawaii to East Africa. In Hawaii, Kalekale are caught in a mixed fishery with other deep water snappers and groupers, which collectively are called the Hawaii Deep 7 Bottomfish complex. These species are managed through annual catch limits and closed […]Read more

Snapper, Mangrove – U.S.

Mangrove Snappers are a shallow species, common to coral reefs and seagrass beds, that have slow to moderate growth rates, reaching 30 inches in length and living up to 25 years of age. They are found in the western Atlantic from Florida to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, with most caught in […]Read more

Snapper, Mutton – U.S.

Mutton Snapper are most commonly found in the tropical waters of the Caribbean, Florida and Gulf of Mexico. They can live to 40 years of age, have moderate growth rates, and become sexually mature after three years. Mutton Snapper were overfished for many years, but their abundance has increased and today it is at a […]Read more

Snapper, Oblique-banded (Gindai) – Hawaii

Oblique-banded Snapper is a large-bodied, moderately long-lived snapper, found in deep tropical and subtropical waters across the Indo-Pacific from Hawaii to East Africa. In Hawaii, Oblique-banded Snapper are caught in a mixed fishery with other deep water snappers and groupers, which collectively are called the Hawaii Deep 7 Bottomfish complex. These species are managed through annual catch limits […]Read more

Snapper, Pink (Opakapaka) – Hawaii

Opakapaka is a large-bodied, long-lived snapper, found in deep waters throughout the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Hawaii. In Hawaii, Opakapaka are caught in a mixed fishery with other deep water snappers and groupers, which collectively are called the Hawaii Deep 7 Bottomfish complex. These species are managed through annual catch limits and closed fishing areas. While the Deep […]Read more

Snapper, Queen

Queen Snapper is a deep-water species that is becoming an increasingly important part of the US Caribbean fishery despite there being little information about their abundance. They are found from North Carolina to Brazil including the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. Queen Snapper grow fast, mature early and probably live for around 8 […]Read more

Snapper, Red – U.S. Gulf of Mexico

Red Snapper are found in the western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to northern South America, the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Red Snapper are found around both natural and artificial structures like corals reefs and oil rigs. They grow slowly, reach sexual maturity around three years of age, and may live for over […]Read more

Snapper, Ruby (Onaga) – Hawaii

Onaga is a large-bodied, moderately long-lived snapper, found in deep tropical and subtropical waters across the Indo-Pacific from Hawaii to East Africa. In Hawaii, Onaga are caught in a mixed fishery with other deep water snappers and groupers, which collectively are called the Hawaii Deep 7 Bottomfish complex. These species are managed through annual catch limits and closed […]Read more

Snapper, Rusty Jobfish (Lehi) – Hawaii

Rusty Jobfish is a moderately-long lived snapper species, found in deep tropical and subtropical waters across the Indo-Pacific from Hawaii to East Africa. In Hawaii, Rusty Jobfish are caught in a mixed fishery with other deep water snappers and groupers, which collectively are called the Hawaii Deep 7 Bottomfish complex. These species are managed through annual catch […]Read more

Snapper, Silk – U.S. (including U.S. Caribbean)

Silk Snapper is a deepwater fish whose range extends from the Gulf of Mexico, Carolinas, and Bermuda to northern South America. They mature quickly but have moderate growth rates and can live for over 30 years. Silk Snapper have a medium abundance, but many areas have not been properly surveyed. They are commonly caught using […]Read more

Snapper, Tai – New Zealand, Longline, Beach Seine & Gillnet

New Zeleand Tai Snapper are found in subtropical regions of the western Pacific Ocean including New Zealand, Australia, China and Japan. Juvenile Snapper inhabit muddy estuaries, while adults mostly inhabit rocky reefs, but are also found in mud and sea grass habitats. In New Zealand, Tai Snapper are a commercially important fishery. Due to prudent fisheries […]Read more

Snapper, Vermilion – U.S.

Vermilion Snapper are found from North Carolina to Brazil and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. They reach sexual maturity at a young age and produce many offspring, spawning multiple times per year. Vermilion Snapper abundance in the Gulf of Mexico is uncertain. Vermilion Snapper abundance in the South Atlantic is below the target level, but […]Read more

Snapper, Yellowtail – U.S.

Yellowtail Snapper are found in the Atlantic from New England to southeastern Brazil, although they are most common in tropical regions like the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean. They are a fast growing species that reaches sexual maturity at a young age and can produce many eggs. The abundance of Yellowtail Snapper is considered healthy […]Read more

Snapper, Yellowtail- Brazil

Yellowtail Snapper are found in the Atlantic Ocean from New England to southeastern Brazil. In Brazil, they grow at moderate rates, reach sexual maturity by 3 years and can produce many eggs. Yellowtail Snapper are considered over-exploited in Brazil, and management is mostly lacking in protecting and rebuilding their numbers. Hook-and-lines are a common fishing […]Read more

Sole, Dover – Atlantic Ocean

Dover Sole are a fast growing species of bottom fish, reaching a size of 70 cm and living up to 40 years. They are found from the North Sea south to northwest Africa and into the Mediterranean Sea. Dover Sole have a medium abundance overall, though population size varies between regions. They are caught by […]Read more

Sole, Dover – British Columbia

Dover Sole is a long-lived flatfish caught by bottom trawling along the Pacific coast of the US and Canada. Dover Sole are found from the Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands to central Baja California. In British Columbia, the abundance of Dover Sole is uncertain, and management of the fishery is moderately effective. Bottom trawling […]Read more

Sole, English – British Columbia

English Sole is a moderately long-lived flatfish, found from the Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands to central Baja California. In British Columbia the English Sole population is likely healthy and management is moderately effective. English Sole are caught by bottom trawling, which can be environmentally destructive; however, bottom trawling for English Sole takes place […]Read more

Sole, Lemon – UK

Lemon Sole is a medium sized flatfish found along the northern European coast on coarse gravelly and rocky bottoms at depths ranging from 40 to 200 meters. They mature relatively quickly and live up to nine years. Lemon Sole appear to be at medium levels of abundance, although information about population size is somewhat limited. […]Read more

Sole, Petrale – British Columbia

Petrale Sole are a commercially important Pacific groundfish species. Petrale Sole grow at a moderate rate and can live for over 30 years. In British Columbia, the abundance level of Petrale Sole is uncertain, but abundance is increasing. Management of the fishery is moderately effective. Petrale Sole are caught by bottom trawling, which can be […]Read more

Sole, Petrale – U.S. West Coast

Petrale Sole are a commercially important Pacific groundfish species. Petrale Sole grow at a moderate rate and can live for over 30 years. Petrale Sole are no longer considered depleted, and are rebuilding toward the target abundance level. Management of this species is fairly responsible, highlighted by recent measures adopted to restore the health of the […]Read more

Sole, Rex – British Columbia

Rex Sole is a moderately long-lived flatfish, found from the Bering Sea to southern California. In British Columbia waters the abundance of Rex Sole is uncertain. Management of this fishery is moderately effective. Rex Sole are caught by bottom trawling, which can be environmentally destructive; however, bottom trawling for Rex Sole takes place over sandy, […]Read more

Sole, Rock (Southern) – British Columbia

Northern and Southern Rock soles are commercially important Pacific groundfish. Rock Soles grow at a moderate rate and can live up to 30 years. In British Columbia, Southern Rock Sole is the more prevalent species. The abundance of Southern Rock Sole in British Columbia is above target levels and fishing levels on Rock Sole are […]Read more

Squid, European and Veined (Ika)

European and Veined Squid are found in the northeast Atlantic Ocean, with Veined Squid more common in northern areas and European Squid most abundant in southern areas. Both species grow fast and become sexually mature within one year. Spawning is considered intermittent and terminal for both species, meaning a squid lays several batches of eggs […]Read more

Squid, Jumbo – Mexico

Jumbo squid is the largest squid species caught in commercial fisheries. Individuals can weigh up to 100 pounds and measure as long as 7 feet. Jumbo squid have a short life span and can produce lots of eggs, making them fairly resilient to fishing pressure. Environmental conditions can affect their population abundance from year to […]Read more

Squid, Longfin (Ika) – U.S. Atlantic, Bottom Trawl

Longfin squid are fast growing and short-lived, which enable them to withstand moderate fishing pressure. Abundance of Longfin Squid in the U.S. Atlantic is currently around target levels. Historically, the domestic fishery for Longfin Squid was small, but the exclusion of foreign squid boats from U.S. waters and increases in international demand for squid have […]Read more

Squid, Market (Ika) (Calamari) – California, Purse Seine

Market Squid are short-lived, but they are vulnerable to large-scale changes in the environment driven by El Nino Southern Oscillation events. Accurate estimates of Market Squid abundance elude fisheries biologists and managers, which makes management of the population difficult. Market Squid off the California coast are caught with purse seines. Normally this method causes limited […]Read more

Squid, Shortfin (Ika) – U.S. Atlantic, Bottom Trawl

Shortfin Squid are found on the offshore continental shelf and slope waters of the northwestern Atlantic, from Florida to Labrador. They grow quickly and reproduce at a young age, which helps them withstand moderate fishing pressure. Their abundance level in the U.S. Atlantic is uncertain. Abundance varies from year to year due their short life […]Read more

Sturgeon, White – U.S. Lower Columbia River

White Sturgeon live along the U.S. west coast and primarily use the Sacramento and Lower Columbia Rivers for reproduction. White Sturgeon are long-lived, do not reproduce until late in life, and only reproduce periodically, making them highly vulnerable to overfishing. Sturgeon are highly valued for their eggs or caviar. White Sturgeon in the Lower Columbia River […]Read more

Swordfish – California, Gillnet

Swordfish are a large, migratory fish found in temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. They grow reasonably fast and mature quickly, typically within six years. Off California, Swordfish is also caught with drift gillnets. The bycatch of marine mammals and other protected species is minimized in these fisheries by management […]Read more

Swordfish – Hawaii, Longline

Swordfish are large, migratory fish found in temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast and mature quickly. In the Pacific Ocean, Swordfish are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are sustainable. Longlines are the most common gear for catching Swordfish worldwide. They result […]Read more

Swordfish – U.S. Atlantic & Gulf of Mexico, Longline

Swordfish are large, migratory fish found in temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast and mature quickly. In the Atlantic Ocean, Swordfish are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are sustainable. Longlines are the most common gear for catching Swordfish worldwide. They result […]Read more

Tilefish, Blueline – U.S. Gulf of Mexico

Blueline Tilefish are found from Virginia, USA down to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a long-lived, deep-water species that builds and lives in burrows on the bottom of the ocean floor. Blueline Tilefish are ecologically important because they modify and create habitat. In the U.S., there are two management populations: South Atlantic and Gulf of […]Read more

Tilefish, Golden – U.S. Gulf of Mexico

Golden Tilefish are found along the Atlantic coast of North America, throughout the Gulf of Mexico, and down to the northern coast of South America. It is a long-lived and slow growing deep-water species, that builds and lives in burrows on the bottom of the ocean floor. Golden Tilefish are ecologically important because they modify and […]Read more

Triggerfish, Grey and Queen

Grey and Queen Triggerfish are found on rocky and coral reefs throughout much of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. They grow at moderate to fast rates, reach sexual maturity at an early age, and can release millions of eggs. Grey Triggerfish is commercially caught in the Gulf of Mexico […]Read more

Trout, Lake – Lake Huron

Lake Trout is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. It was once an important top predator in the Great Lakes ecosystem. Unfortunately, heavy fishing combined with high levels of predation by the exotic sea lamprey caused this species to decline to low levels during the mid 20th century. Today, […]Read more

Trout, Lake – Lake Michigan

Lake Trout is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. It was once an important top predator in the Great Lakes ecosystem. Unfortunately, heavy fishing combined with high levels of predation by the exotic sea lamprey caused this species to decline to low levels during the mid 20th century. […]Read more

Trout, Lake – Lake Superior (Canada)

Lake Trout is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. It was once an important top predator in the Great Lakes ecosystem. Unfortunately, heavy fishing combined with high levels of predation by the exotic sea lamprey caused this species to decline to low levels during the mid 20th century. Today, […]Read more

Trout, Lake – Lake Superior (Michigan)

Lake Trout is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. It was once an important top predator in the Great Lakes ecosystem. Unfortunately, heavy fishing combined with high levels of predation by the exotic sea lamprey caused this species to decline to low levels during the mid 20th century. Today, […]Read more

Trout, Steelhead

Sea-going members of the Rainbow Trout species, Steelhead return to natal hatching grounds to spawn, with a small percentage surviving to reproduce more than once. Wild Steelhead populations have declined significantly due to overfishing and habitat loss. Commercial fishing for Steelhead in the U.S. has been restricted to Native American tribes for decades. Hatcheries supply […]Read more

Tuna, Albacore (Bin’naga maguro) – Hawaii, Longline

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. In the Pacific, the abundance of Albacore Tuna is high and fishing levels on this species are sustainable. Longlines are the most common method used to catch Albacore Tuna. They result in large quantities of bycatch, including threatened or endangered species such as […]Read more

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. In the Atlantic, Albacore Tuna are at a low abundance level, but fishing levels in the North Atlantic are sustainable. Purse seines are only responsible for a small amount of Albacore Tuna catches in the Atlantic. Purse seines that target free schools of […]Read more

Tuna, Albacore (BIN’NAGA MAGURO) – U.S. Atlantic, Longline

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. In the Atlantic, Albacore Tuna are at a low abundance level, but fishing levels in the North Atlantic are sustainable. Longlines are the most common method used to catch Albacore Tuna. They result in large quantities of bycatch, including threatened or endangered species […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Atlantic, Pole, Troll & Handline

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Atlantic Ocean, Bigeye Tuna have a medium abundance. Fishing with pole and line, […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Atlantic, Unassociated Purse Seine

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Atlantic Ocean, Bigeye Tuna have a medium abundance. Purse seines that target free […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Hawaii (Eastern Central Pacific), Longline

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Pacific Ocean, Bigeye Tuna are at a low abundance, but fishing levels on […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Indian Ocean, Unassociated Purse Seine

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Indian Ocean, Bigeye Tuna are at a healthy abundance. Purse seines that target […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Pacific, Pole, Troll & Handline

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Pacific Ocean, Bigeye Tuna are at a low abundance and overfishing is occurring […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – U.S. Atlantic, Greenstick

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Atlantic Ocean, Bigeye Tuna have a medium abundance. Greenstick gear was developed to reduce […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – U.S. Atlantic, Longline

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Atlantic Ocean, Bigeye Tuna have a medium abundance. Longlines result in large quantities of […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Indian Ocean, Pole & Troll

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Indian Ocean, Bigeye Tuna are at a healthy abundance. However, management of tuna […]Read more

Tuna, Blackfin – Atlantic, Pole. Troll & Handline

Blackfin Tuna is a small tuna species, found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. They can live for 5 years. There has been no assessment of Blackfin Tuna, so its abundance is unknown. Catches of this species are small. Fishing with pole and line, troll, or handline gear is highly selective, resulting in minimal catches of […]Read more

Tuna, Blackfin – U.S. Atlantic, Greenstick

Blackfin Tuna is a small tuna species, found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. They can live for 5 years. There has been no assessment of Blackfin Tuna, so its abundance is unknown. Catches of this species are small. Greenstick gear was developed to reduce bycatch of vulnerable species that is typical in tuna longline fisheries. […]Read more

Tuna, Blackfin – U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Longline

Blackfin Tuna is a small tuna species, found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. They can live for 5 years. There has been no assessment of Blackfin Tuna, so its abundance is unknown. Catches of this species are small. In the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, some Blackfin Tuna are caught with longlines. Longlines result in large […]Read more

Tuna, Skipjack (Katsuo) – Atlantic, Unassociated Purse Seine

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Atlantic, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are […]Read more

Tuna, Skipjack (Katsuo) – Indian Ocean, Unassociated Purse Seine

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Indian Ocean, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance. Purse Seines are the most common […]Read more

Tuna, Skipjack (Katsuo) – Pacific, Unassociated Purse Seine

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Pacific, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are […]Read more

Tuna, Skipjack (Katsuo) – Western Pacific, Pole & troll

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Western Pacific, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance. Fishing with pole and troll is […]Read more

TUNA, SKIPJACK (KATSUO) – Atlantic, Pole & Troll

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Atlantic, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are […]Read more

Tuna, Skipjack (Katsuo) – Hawaii, Longline

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Pacific, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance. Longlines result in large quantities of bycatch, […]Read more

Tuna, Skipjack (Katsuo) – Indian Ocean, Pole & troll

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Indian Ocean, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance. However, management of tuna fisheries in the […]Read more

Tuna, Skipjack (Katsuo) – U.S. Atlantic, Greenstick

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Atlantic, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are sustainable. […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Indian Ocean, Unassociated Purse Seine

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. In the Indian Ocean, Yellowfin Tuna are at a healthy abundance. Purse seines that target free schools of tuna and do not use fish aggregating devices (FADs) are called […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Pacific, Unassociated Purse Seine

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. Yellowfin Tuna are at a healthy abundance in the Western Pacific, but are depleted in the Eastern Pacific. However, fishing levels on Yellowfin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific are […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Atlantic, Pole, Troll & Handline

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. In the Atlantic Ocean, Yellowfin Tuna are at a low abundance and are considered depleted. Fishing with pole and line, troll, or handline gear is highly selective, resulting in […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Hawaii, Longline

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. Yellowfin Tuna are at a healthy abundance in the Western Pacific, but are depleted in the Eastern Pacific. However, fishing levels on Yellowfin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific are […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Pacific, Pole, Troll & Handline

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. Yellowfin Tuna are at a healthy abundance in the Western Pacific, but are depleted in the Eastern Pacific. However, fishing levels on Yellowfin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific are […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Indian Ocean, Pole & Troll

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. In the Indian Ocean, Yellowfin Tuna are at a healthy abundance. However, management of tuna fisheries in the Indian Ocean is poor. Fishing with pole and troll is highly selective, […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – U.S. Atlantic, Greenstick

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. In the Atlantic Ocean, Yellowfin Tuna are at a low abundance and are considered depleted. Greenstick gear was developed to reduce bycatch of vulnerable species that is typical in […]Read more

Turbot/Halibut, Greenland (Hirame) – Alaska

Greenland Turbot (also called Greenland Halibut) are found in the northern regions of the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. In the North Pacific, Greenland Turbot are mostly found in western Alaska, within the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI). Greenland Turbot grow slowly, may live for more than 30 years, and reach sexual maturity […]Read more

Wahoo – U.S.

Wahoo are a fast growing, highly fecund species of fish found worldwide throughout tropical and warm temperate seas. Wahoo are not commercially targeted but are caught in longline and troll fisheries targeting other species such as tuna and swordfish. There is a lack of information on the abundance of this species. These fishing gears have […]Read more

Walleye – Lake Erie (Canada)

Walleye is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. In the Great Lakes, Walleye have been the target of recreational and commercial fisheries for hundreds of years. Walleye grow quickly and reach sexual maturity at a young age, but habitat degradation and high fishing pressure caused population declines in the […]Read more

Walleye – Lake Huron

Walleye is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. In the Great Lakes, Walleye have been the target of recreational and commercial fisheries for hundreds of years. Walleye grow quickly and reach sexual maturity at a young age, but habitat degradation and high fishing pressure caused population declines in the […]Read more

Walleye – Lake Michigan

Walleye is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. In the Great Lakes, Walleye have been the target of recreational and commercial fisheries for hundreds of years. Walleye grow quickly and reach sexual maturity at a young age, but habitat degradation and high fishing pressure caused population declines in the […]Read more

Walleye – Lake Ontario (Canada)

Walleye is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. In the Great Lakes, Walleye have been the target of recreational and commercial fisheries for hundreds of years. Walleye grow quickly and reach sexual maturity at a young age, but habitat degradation and high fishing pressure caused population declines in the […]Read more

Walleye – Lake Superior (Canada)

Walleye is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. In the Great Lakes, Walleye have been the target of recreational and commercial fisheries for hundreds of years. Walleye grow quickly and reach sexual maturity at a young age, but habitat degradation and high fishing pressure caused population declines in the […]Read more

Walleye – Lake Superior (Michigan)

Walleye is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. In the Great Lakes, Walleye have been the target of recreational and commercial fisheries for hundreds of years. Walleye grow quickly and reach sexual maturity at a young age, but habitat degradation and high fishing pressure caused population declines in the […]Read more

Whitefish, Lake – Lake Erie

Lake Whitefish is a fast growing freshwater fish that can reach a length of three feet, a weight of roughly 42 pounds, and live for 50 years. Lake Whitefish are found throughout the Great Lakes and are the main commercial fish species there. The abundance of Lake Whitefish has varied over time. Currently, abundance of […]Read more

Whitefish, Lake – Lake Huron

Lake Whitefish is a fast growing freshwater fish that can reach a length of three feet, a weight of roughly 42 pounds, and live for 50 years. Lake Whitefish are found throughout the Great Lakes and are the main commercial fish species there. The abundance of Lake Whitefish has varied over time. Currently, abundance of […]Read more

Whitefish, Lake – Lake Michigan (Michigan), Trap Net

Lake Whitefish is a fast growing freshwater fish that can reach a length of three feet, a weight of roughly 42 pounds, and live for 50 years. Lake Whitefish are found throughout the Great Lakes and are the main commercial fish species there. The abundance of Lake Whitefish has varied over time. Currently, the abundance […]Read more

Whitefish, Lake – Lake Michigan, Bottom Gillnet

Lake Whitefish is a fast growing freshwater fish that can reach a length of three feet, a weight of roughly 42 pounds, and live for 50 years. Lake Whitefish are found throughout the Great Lakes and are the main commercial fish species there. The abundance of Lake Whitefish has varied over time. Currently, the abundance […]Read more

Whitefish, Lake – Lake Ontario (Canada)

Lake Whitefish is a fast growing freshwater fish that can reach a length of three feet, a weight of roughly 42 pounds, and live for 50 years. Lake Whitefish are found throughout the Great Lakes and are the main commercial fish species there. The abundance of Lake Whitefish has varied over time. Currently, the abundance […]Read more

Whitefish, Lake – Lake Superior (Canada)

Lake Whitefish is a fast growing freshwater fish that can reach a length of three feet, a weight of roughly 42 pounds, and live for 50 years. Lake Whitefish are found throughout the Great Lakes and are the main commercial fish species there. The abundance of Lake Whitefish has varied over time. Currently, the abundance […]Read more

Whitefish, Lake – Lake Superior (Michigan)

Lake Whitefish is a fast growing freshwater fish that can reach a length of three feet, a weight of roughly 42 pounds, and live for 50 years. Lake Whitefish are found throughout the Great Lakes and are the main commercial fish species there. The abundance of Lake Whitefish has varied over time. Currently, the abundance […]Read more

Yellowtail, California – U.S. California, Gillnet (Hiramasa)

California Yellowtail are found and caught commercially off California and Baja California, Mexico. They reach sexual maturity at an early age, but are relatively slow growing and known to form spawning aggregations Catches of California Yellowtail have fluctuated greatly over the years, tending to be greater during El Nino events when waters are warmer and […]Read more

European Anchovy are small, pelagic schooling fish (meaning they swim in groups near the surface) found throughout the eastern Atlantic Ocean and its associated seas. In the Mediterranean and Black Seas, the abundance of European Anchovy relative to abundance conservation goals is unknown, but fishing levels on Anchovy are above sustainable levels in several areas. […]Read more

Barramundi – Indonesia

Barramundi is a fast growing species of fish found in tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Western and Central Pacific and Indian Oceans. They can live in freshwater, brackish and marine habitats. They begin life as males and after several years of spawning transition to females for the remainder of their life. Abundance of Barramundi is […]Read more

Bass, Black Sea – U.S. Atlantic, Bottom Trawl

Black Sea Bass are found along the U.S. East Coast from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Cape Canaveral, Florida, and in the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer structural habitats such as shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and oyster or mussel beds. They begin life as females and become males by the time they are five years old. There are two populations of […]Read more

Patagonian Toothfish, more commonly known as Chilean Sea Bass, are widely distributed in the Southern Hemisphere south of 40°S latitude. It is a long-lived species that is thought to reach 50 years in age. Sexual maturity is reached between 6-12 years and fecundity is moderate. Due to its high commercial value, Patagonian Toothfish has been […]Read more

Bluenose – New Zealand, Bottom Trawls

Bluenose (or Antarctic Butterfish) is a large fish, growing to over 50 kg, found in temperate waters of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and South America. They are particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure because they are long lived, mature late, and exhibit schooling and spawning aggregation behaviors that make them easy to catch. Bluenose sold […]Read more

Cod, Atlantic – Canada, Bottom Trawl

Decades of overfishing have driven Atlantic Cod populations in the U.S. and Canada to historic low levels. While some populations have shown signs of recovery in recent years, the overall recovery of Atlantic Cod has been variable and unstable. While management efforts in Canada have improved in recent years, recovery is still expected to be […]Read more

Cod, Atlantic – U.S. (except Georges Bank handline fishery)

Atlantic Cod are a species of groundfish that can live more than 20 years. They are found throughout the North Atlantic, and have been heavily fished for centuries driving some populations to historic low levels. In the U.S. Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank, the abundance of Atlantic Cod is low. While management efforts in […]Read more

Cod, Pacific – Japan, Russia Federation

Pacific Cod is found throughout the North Pacific. The U.S. has its own Pacific Cod fishery, and also imports this species from Japan and Russia. In Japan, management of the Pacific Cod fisheries is ineffective and overfishing is likely occurring in most areas. In Russia, management measures for Pacific Cod are in place and Pacific Cod […]Read more

Conch, Queen

Queen Conch is a large marine gastropod found throughout the Caribbean. Many features of the Queen Conch’s life history are still unresolved, but it is thought to mature around 4-5 years and live between 20-30 years. Since Queen Conch forms large aggregations in shallow coastal waters, where it can easily be seen and collected by […]Read more

Crab, Atlantic Rock – U.S.

Atlantic Rock Crabs are found along the Atlantic coast of North America. The Atlantic Rock Crab is fast growing and short-lived. It is typically found close to shore in shallow waters. The abundance of this species is unknown. In the past Atlantic Rock Crabs were primarily caught as a bycatch species in the lobster fishery, but […]Read more

Crab, Blue and Red Swimmer – East and South East Asia

Swimmer Crabs grow quickly, reach sexual maturity around age one, and live for three years. They are caught in a number of countries in the Indian Ocean and Western Central Pacific. In China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines there is very limited management in place for Swimmer Crabs and abundance levels are uncertain. Each […]Read more

Crab, Blue Swimmer – Western Australia (Shark Bay), Bottom Trawl

Blue Swimmer Crab is a tropical species found in estuaries and inshore marine waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This species grows quickly, reaches sexual maturity around age one, and lives for three to four years. In Western Australia there are three main fishing areas for Blue Swimmer Crab: Cockburn Sound, Peel-Harvey Estuary, and Shark Bay. Blue Swimmer Crab abundance […]Read more

Crab, Jonah – Canada

Jonah Crabs are found at depths ranging from 1 to 800 m along the Atlantic coast of North America. In Canada, Jonah Crabs are caught in the both American Lobster fisheries and directed Jonah Crab fisheries. There is a lack of scientific information collected on this species and so its abundance is uncertain. Some management […]Read more

Crab, Jonah – U.S.

Jonah Crabs are found along the Atlantic coast of North America. Little is known about the biology of this species, and its abundance is unknown. In the past Jonah Crabs were primarily caught as a bycatch species in the lobster fishery, but are now caught in a directed fishery. They are caught with baited traps […]Read more

Dab, Common – Iceland

Common Dab is a small species of flatfish that grows fast and becomes sexually mature within four years. Dab is found on shallow, sandy bottoms throughout the Northeast Atlantic, and in Iceland they are found all around the country. Common Dab is mostly caught with Danish seines in Icelandic waters, which cause moderate damage to […]Read more

Eel, American (Unagi)

American Eels are late-bloomers, in terms of reaching sexual maturity and reproduction. They may not reproduce until they are 20 years old, and this makes them inherently vulnerable to fishing pressure because they cannot readily create new generations to replace the eels that are caught each year. Using eel pots in coastal waters and nets […]Read more

Flounder, Windowpane – U.S. Georges Bank/Gulf of Maine

Windowpane Flounder are a fast growing species of flatfish found in the Northwest Atlantic from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Florida. The abundance of Windowpane Flounder in the Georges Bank and Gulf of Maine is low and they are currently fished at too high a level. Most Windowpane Flounder are caught with bottom trawls, which […]Read more

Flounder, Winter – U.S. Mid-Atlantic

Winter Flounder is a fast growing flatfish, distributed along the Atlantic coast from Labrador to North Carolina. They are typically found in inshore bays and estuaries in the winter and deeper waters in the summer. There are three managed populations of Winter Flounder – Georges Bank, Gulf of Maine and southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Bight. The […]Read more

Flounder, Witch – U.S.

Witch Flounder are a species of flatfish found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. They grow slower and live longer than most other flounder species. The abundance of Witch Flounder in the U.S. is low and they are currently fished at too high a level. Bottom trawls are used to catch Witch Flounder, which […]Read more

Flounder, Yellowtail – U.S. Georges Bank and Gulf of Maine

Yellowtail Flounder is a fast growing flatfish that produces many young and reaches a maximum size of 22 inches and 2 lbs. Yellowtail Flounder occur in the Northwest Atlantic from northern Newfoundland to the lower part of the Chesapeake Bay. Yellowtail Flounder populations in Georges Bank and the Gulf of Maine are depleted and are […]Read more

Grouper, Gag – U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Bottom Longline

Gag Grouper is found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to southern Brazil. In U.S. waters, there are two Gag Grouper populations: South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Gag Grouper caught with longlines in the Gulf of Mexico account for less than 2% of all U.S. grouper catches. Gag Grouper are protogynous hermaphrodites beginning their lives […]Read more

Grouper, Gag – U.S. South Atlantic, Handline

Gag Grouper is found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to southern Brazil. In U.S. waters, there are two Gag Grouper populations: South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Gag Grouper caught with handlines in the South Atlantic account for 4% of all U.S. grouper catches. Gag Grouper are protogynous hermaphrodites beginning their lives as females and […]Read more

Grouper, Snowy – U.S.

Snowy Grouper are found in deep-water rocky habitats, from North Carolina to Brazil including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. They are a long lived, slow growing species that changes sex (from female to male) as they grow, making them extremely vulnerable to fishing pressure. In the U.S. South Atlantic, the abundance of Snowy […]Read more

Grouper, Warsaw – U.S. Gulf of Mexico

Warsaw Grouper are found in deep-waters of the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Warsaw Grouper are one of the largest and longest-lived groupers. They can grow to over 7.5 ft in length, live for over 41 years, and like other groupers they change sex (from female […]Read more

Grouper, Yellowedge – U.S.

Yellowedge Grouper are found in deep-waters of the western Atlantic from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. They are a long-lived, slow growing species that changes sex (from female to male) as they grow; these characteristics make them extremely vulnerable to fishing pressure. Abundance of Yellowedge Grouper is likely […]Read more

Haddock – U.S. Gulf of Maine

In the U.S. Gulf of Maine, Haddock are currently recovering from a depleted state, but continue to be fished at too high of a level. As well, most Haddock are caught using habitat-damaging bottom trawls but also with bottom longlines and handlines. All fishing methods catch several species in addition to Haddock and some of these […]Read more

Hake, White – Canadian Atlantic

White Hake is a bottom-dwelling fish species (or ‘groundfish’) typically found in the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Hatteras to southern Labrador and are primarily caught using three types of gear; bottom longline, bottom trawl, and bottom gillnet. This rating is for White Hake caught in Canada. White Hake in Canada are at a low abundance, […]Read more

Halibut, Atlantic (Hirame) – U.S.

Atlantic Halibut can live for 50 years, grow to over eight feet in length, and weigh over 660 pounds. They are found on both sides of the North Atlantic Ocean as well as some parts of the Arctic Ocean. Atlantic Halibut were once extremely abundant along the northeast U.S. and Canadian coastlines, but populations have […]Read more

Lobster, American – U.S. Southern New England

American Lobsters are found off the Atlantic coast of North America from Newfoundland to Virginia. They can grow to a large size of 18kg (40lbs) and reach sexual maturity between 5-10 years old. In the U.S., the abundance of American Lobster varies between regions. In the Southern New England region, abundance of American Lobster has […]Read more

Lobster, Caribbean Spiny – Belize, Brazil, Honduras & Nicaragua

Caribbean Spiny Lobsters grow fast, are highly fecund (very fertile), and can live up to 20 years. In Belize, Brazil, Hondura, and Nicaragua, fishing for Caribbean Spiny Lobsters occurs with traps and by diving with the use of casitas (shelters) and/or SCUBA gear. The fishing methods are highly selective, resulting in minimal catches of non-target […]Read more

Norway Lobster are found throughout the Northeast Atlantic, from Iceland south to Morocco. They live in burrows in muddy or sandy habitats. There are many different Norway Lobster populations. For most populations abundance is unknown, but populations off the Spain and Portugal coasts are considered depleted and fishing levels on Norway Lobster are too high […]Read more

Mahimahi – Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru, Longline

Mahimahi produce many eggs, grow quickly, and reach sexual maturity at a young age, making them resilient to fishing pressure. No formal population assessments have been completed in any region, so their current population sizes are not known. Mahimahi are caught by a variety of fishing gears including longlines. This type of fishing also captures […]Read more

Marlin, Blue – Imported Pacific

Blue Marlin is a large pelagic species, found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. Blue Marlin mature early, produce many eggs, and grow fast, reaching sizes up to 450 cm and 900 kg. Blue Marlin are caught throughout the Pacific Ocean. The last population assessment for Blue Marlin in the Pacific indicated that abundance levels […]Read more

Marlin, Striped

Striped Marlin is an open ocean species found throughout much of the world’s temperate and tropical oceans. Striped Marlin in the Pacific are being fished faster than the population can reproduce and the species has dramatically declined. This species is primarily captured with pelagic longlines, which result in minimal habitat damage, but do catch some […]Read more

Octopus (Tako) – Philippines

Octopus grows fast and produces many young – traits that help it withstand fishing pressure. Several species of Octopus are commercially fished in the Philippines; the main species is Day Octopus. In the Philippines, Octopus is found in coral reefs and caught using a variety of gear, including jigs, hook/gaff, spears and baited traps. There is […]Read more

Octopus, Common (Tako) – Eastern Atlanitc, Bottom Trawl

Common Octopus are wide-ranging and have short lifespans. In the eastern Atlantic, Common Octopus are caught with bottom trawls by Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Mauritania. These bottom trawl fisheries often catch high numbers of non-target species, including some depleted, threatened, and endangered species. Bottom trawling is also highly destructive to bottom ocean habitats. In Spain and […]Read more

Octopus, Common (Tako) – Mexico

The Common Octopus is globally distributed and caught worldwide. It is a short-lived and fast-growing animal. In the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, there have been no population assessments for common octopus, so abundance and fishing levels are unknown. In Mexico, fishermen catch Common Octopus with baited lines that are attached to poles, called “jimba.” This […]Read more

Octopus, Red – Mexico

The Red Octopus is endemic to the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. It is a short-lived and fast-growing animal. Abundance of the Red Octopus has fluctuated and most recently declined. There is concern that overfishing of Red Octopus is occurring. In Mexico, fishermen catch Red Octopus with baited lines that are attached to poles, called “jimba.” The […]Read more

Opah – Imported

Opah is a pelagic species of fish (swims near the surface) found throughout all tropical and temperate oceans. It can grow to six and a half feet in length, approximately 550 pounds in weight, and may live for 11 years. Opah in the Pacific Ocean is probably at a medium level of abundance, however no […]Read more

Orange Roughy – New Zealand

Orange Roughy are a long-lived, late maturing species with a relatively low fecundity (fertility). They can live to be more than 100 years old and don’t mature until they’re in their late 20’s. Most Orange Roughy in the U.S. market comes from New Zealand. Years of heavy pressure on Orange Roughy caused significant declines in […]Read more

Oreos

Smooth and Black Oreos are slow to mature and are extremely long-lived fishes, qualities which make them vulnerable to overfishing. Most reported catches occur in New Zealand, where they are in low levels of abundance in some areas. They aggregate around seamounts, and the bottom trawls used to fish for Oreos cause extensive damage to […]Read more

Rockfish, China – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are no recent assessments of China Rockfish in British Columbia so its abundance is unknown. China Rockfish are caught with bottom longline, jig, and troll. These gears can cause some damage to bottom ocean habitats, but there […]Read more

Rockfish, Copper – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are no recent assessments of Copper Rockfish in British Columbia so its abundance is unknown. Copper Rockfish are caught with bottom longline, jig, and troll. These gears can cause some damage to bottom ocean habitats, but […]Read more

Rockfish, Darkblotched – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. In British Columbia, the abundance of Darkblotched Rockfish is uncertain, but it is considered a species of concern. Darkblotched Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place […]Read more

Rockfish, Redbanded – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are no recent assessments of Redbanded Rockfish in British Columbia so its abundance is unknown. Redbanded Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, bottom longlines, jig, and troll. Bottom trawls can be environmentally destructive, but there are […]Read more

Rockfish, Redstripe – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are no recent assessments of Redstripe Rockfish in British Columbia so its abundance is unknown. Redstripe Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in […]Read more

Rockfish, Rougheye – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. The abundance of Rougheye Rockfish in British Columbia is uncertain, but it is considered a species of concern. Rougheye Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, bottom longlines, jig, and troll. Bottom trawls can be environmentally destructive, but […]Read more

Rockfish, Shortraker – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are no recent assessments of Shortraker Rockfish in British Columbia so its abundance is unknown. Shortraker Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, bottom longlines, jig, and troll. Bottom trawls can be environmentally destructive, but there are a […]Read more

Rockfish, Shortspine Thornyhead – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are no recent assessments of Shortspine Thornyhead in British Columbia so its abundance is unknown. Shortspine Thornyhead are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in […]Read more

Rockfish, Tiger – British Columbia (Outside Fishery)

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are no recent assessments of Tiger Rockfish in British Columbia so its abundance is unknown. Tiger Rockfish are caught with bottom longlines, jig, and troll, which have low impacts on bottom ocean habitats. There are two management […]Read more

Rockfish, Widow – British Columbia

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are no recent assessments of Widow Rockfish in British Columbia so its abundance is unknown. Widow Rockfish are caught with bottom trawls, which can be environmentally destructive. There are a number of spatial restrictions in place in […]Read more

Rockfish, Yelloweye – British Columbia (Outside Fishery)

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are two management areas for Yelloweye Rockfish in British Columbia; the inside area (waters between Vancouver Island and the mainland) and the outside area (remainder of the coast). There are no recent assessments of Yelloweye Rockfish […]Read more

Rockfish, Yellowtail – British Columbia, Bottom Trawl

Most Rockfish are long-lived, late to mature, and slow growing, which makes them especially vulnerable to fishing pressure. There are two management areas for Yellowtail Rockfish in British Columbia; the inside area (waters between Vancouver Island and the mainland) and the outside area (remainder of the coast). Most Yellowtail Rockfish are caught in the outside […]Read more

Sardine, Atlantic (Iwashi) – Mediterranean Sea

Atlantic sardine are small, pelagic schooling fish (meaning they swim in groups near the surface) found throughout the eastern Atlantic Ocean and its associated seas. In the Mediterranean Sea, the abundance level of Atlantic sardine is uncertain in many areas, but some populations are depleted. Fishing levels on sardine are above sustainable levels in several […]Read more

Sea Urchin, Green – Maine

Green Sea Urchins, members of the phylum Echinodermata (“spiny skin”), are found in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. In the Atlantic they are found from the Canadian Arctic down to New Jersey. They are hand-caught by divers, so bycatch is minimal with no damage to the habitat. However, along the coast of Maine, Green Sea Urchins […]Read more

Seabream, Black – France and UK: English Channel, Bottom trawl

Black Seabream are found in the northeast Atlantic from Norway south to the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands. This species is primarily consumed in Europe. Black Seabream are hermaphrodites, first maturing as a female at 2-3 years old, and later changing sex to male. In the English Channel, Black Seabream are caught by France and the UK. […]Read more

Shad, American – U.S. Atlantic

American Shad are naturally found from Florida to Canada, but have also been introduced into U.S. West Coast waters. American Shad hatch in freshwater, spend part of their life in the ocean, and then return to freshwater rivers to spawn. Historically they spawned in almost every accessible river and tributary on the Atlantic coast, but […]Read more

Shrimp – Mexico

Several shrimp species are caught in Mexico: Blue, Brown, White, Pink and Seabob. Most are fished in Pacific waters, with the remainder from the Gulf of Mexico. Shrimp grow and sexually mature quickly. Juvenile shrimp generally live in estuaries, lagoons and coastal waters, before migrating offshore to reproduce and complete their life cycle. Some management […]Read more

Shrimp – U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Skimmer Trawl (except Florida)

Several species of shrimp are commercially caught in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, including White Shrimp, Brown Shrimp, Pink Shrimp, Rock Shrimp, Royal Red Shrimp, and Seabob Shrimp. All Shrimp species are short-lived and produce many young. The abundances of Shrimp vary according to environmental conditions. Shrimp trawling damages benthic (seafloor) habitat […]Read more

Skate, Longnose – British Columbia

The Longnose Skate is found along the Pacific Coast of North America. Like other skates, its biology makes it vulnerable to fishing pressure. In British Columbia, the abundance of Longnose Skate has declined, which is cause for concern. They are caught using bottom trawls and bottom longlines. Although these gears can damage the seafloor, fishing […]Read more

Skate, Winter – U.S. Atlantic

Seven species of skate – Winter, Barndoor, Thorny, Little, Rosette, Clearnose, and Smooth Skate – make up the U.S. Northeast Skate Complex. However, Winter Skate is currently the only species that is commercially caught for human consumption. (Retention of Thorny Skate is prohibited.) They are sold as wings, fillets, or imitation scallops. Skates are typically […]Read more

Snapper, New Zealand Tai – Bottom Trawl & Danish Seine

New Zeleand Tai Snapper are found in subtropical regions of the western Pacific Ocean including New Zealand, Australia, China and Japan. Juvenile Snapper inhabit muddy estuaries, while adults mostly inhabit rocky reefs, but are also found in mud and sea grass habitats. In New Zealand, Tai Snapper are a commercially important fishery. Due to prudent fisheries […]Read more

Snapper, Red – U.S. South Atlantic

Red Snapper are found in the western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to northern South America, the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Red Snapper are found around both natural and artificial structures like corals reefs and oil rigs. They grow slowly, reach sexual maturity around three years of age, and may live for over […]Read more

Sturgeon and Paddlefish – U.S. Mississippi River

Wild Sturgeon and Paddlefish in the U.S. have suffered from overfishing and habitat degradation. These species are long-lived, do not reproduce until late in life, and only reproduce periodically, so recovery of these species will be slow. These species are highly valued for their eggs or caviar. Sturgeon and Paddlefish in the Mississippi River and its […]Read more

Sturgeon, Atlantic – St. Lawrence River, Canada

Atlantic Sturgeon is a wide ranging anadromous species found from Florida, United States to Labrador, Canada. Atlantic Sturgeon are long-lived and do not reproduce until late in life. In the Gulf of St. Lawrence River, Canada, Atlantic Sturgeon are caught with gillnets. This fishery produces smoked sturgeon for the Canadian market. Wild caught Atlantic Sturgeon are not […]Read more

Sturgeon, Lake – St. Lawrence River, Canada

Lake Sturgeon is a freshwater fish found throughout Canada and the Mississippi River basin in the United States. Lake Sturgeon are long-lived and do not reproduce until late in life. In the Gulf of St. Lawrence River, Canada, Lake Sturgeon are caught with gillnets. This fishery produces smoked sturgeon, not caviar. In Canada, Lake Sturgeon have […]Read more

Swordfish – Atlantic (except U.S.), Longline

Swordfish are a large, migratory fish found in temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast and mature quickly. In the Atlantic Ocean, Swordfish are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are sustainable. However, in the Mediterranean Sea, it is likely that Swordfish are […]Read more

Swordfish – Indian Ocean, Longline

Swordfish are large, migratory fish found in temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast and mature quickly. In the Indian Ocean, Swordfish are moderately abundant. Longlines are the most common gear for catching Swordfish worldwide. They result in large quantities of bycatch, including threatened or endangered species such […]Read more

Swordfish – Pacific (except Hawaii), Longline

Swordfish are large, migratory fish found in temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast and mature quickly. In the Pacific Ocean, Swordfish are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are sustainable. Longlines are the most common gear for catching Swordfish worldwide. They result in […]Read more

Tautog

Tautog is a slow growing, long-lived fish found from Nova Scotia, Canada to Georgia. It is highly dependent on finding suitable habitat that provides protection from predators and a good food supply. Most Tautog is caught in recreational fisheries, but some are commercially caught, often by bottom trawling which can cause substantial damage to the […]Read more

Tilefish, Blueline – U.S. South Atlantic

Blueline Tilefish are found from Virginia, USA down to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a long-lived, deep-water species that builds and lives in burrows on the bottom of the ocean floor. Blueline Tilefish are ecologically important because they modify and create habitat. In the U.S., there are two management populations: South Atlantic and Gulf of […]Read more

Trout, Lake – Lake Superior (Wisconsin)

Lake Trout is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. It was once an important top predator in the Great Lakes ecosystem. Unfortunately, heavy fishing combined with high levels of predation by the exotic sea lamprey caused this species to decline to low levels during the mid 20th century. Today, […]Read more

Tuna, Albacore (BIN’NAGA MAGURO) – Atlantic (besides U.S.), Longline

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. Albacore Tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are at a low abundance level. Fishing levels on this species are sustainable in the North Atlantic, but overfishing is occurring in the South Atlantic. Longlines are the most common method used to catch Albacore Tuna. They […]Read more

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. In the Atlantic, Albacore Tuna are at a low abundance level, and overfishing is occurring in the South Atlantic. Purse seines are only responsible for a small amount of Albacore Tuna catches in the Atlantic. Purse seines that use Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) to […]Read more

Tuna, Albacore (BIN’NAGA MAGURO) – Indian Ocean, Longline

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. In the Indian Ocean, overfishing on Albacore Tuna is occurring. Longlines are the most common method used to catch Albacore Tuna. They result in large quantities of bycatch, including threatened or endangered species such as sea turtles, sharks and seabirds. Management of the Indian […]Read more

Tuna, Albacore (BIN’NAGA MAGURO) – Indian Ocean, Pole & Troll

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. In the Indian Ocean, overfishing on Albacore Tuna is occurring. Management of the Indian Ocean tuna fisheries is poor. Fishing with pole and troll gear is highly selective, resulting in minimal catches of non-target species. This type of gear also has little to no […]Read more

Tuna, Albacore (BIN’NAGA MAGURO) – Pacific (except Hawaii), Longline

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. Albacore Tuna in the Pacific Ocean are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels are sustainable. Longlines are the most common method used to catch Albacore Tuna. They result in large quantities of bycatch, including threatened or endangered species such as sea turtles, […]Read more

Tuna, Albacore (BIN’NAGA MAGURO) – South Atlantic, Pole & Troll

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. The abundance of Albacore Tuna is low in both the North and South Atlantic Ocean, and overfishing of Albacore Tuna is occurring in the South Atlantic. Fishing with pole and troll gear is highly selective, resulting in minimal catches of non-target species. This type […]Read more

Albacore Tuna are a migratory, schooling fish with a high reproductive rate. In the Atlantic, Albacore Tuna are at a low abundance level, and overfishing is occurring in the South Atlantic. Purse seines are only responsible for a small amount of Albacore Tuna catches in the Atlantic. Purse seines that target free schools of tuna and […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Atlantic (except U.S.), Longline

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Atlantic Ocean, Bigeye Tuna have a medium abundance. Longlines result in large quantities […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Atlantic, Floating Object Purse Seine

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Atlantic Ocean, Bigeye Tuna have a medium abundance. Purse seines that use Fish […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Eastern Pacific (except Hawaii), Longline

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Pacific Ocean, Bigeye Tuna are at a low abundance, but fishing levels on […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Indian Ocean, Floating Object Purse Seine

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Indian Ocean, Bigeye Tuna are at a healthy abundance. Purse seines that use […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Indian Ocean, Longline

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Indian Ocean, Bigeye Tuna are at a healthy abundance. Longlines result in large […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Pacific, Floating Object Purse Seine

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Pacific Ocean, Bigeye Tuna are at a low abundance and overfishing is occurring […]Read more

Tuna, Bigeye (Maguro) – Western Pacific, Longline

Bigeye Tuna are a large fish, growing to over 200 kg (440 lbs), and are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They grow reasonably fast, can release millions of eggs each year, and can live to 10 years. In the Pacific Ocean, Bigeye Tuna are at a low abundance and overfishing is occurring in […]Read more

Tuna, Blackfin – Atlantic, Floating Object Purse Seine

Blackfin Tuna is a small tuna species, found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. They can live for 5 years. There has been no assessment of Blackfin Tuna, so its abundance is unknown. Catches of this species are small. Purse seines that use Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) to attract and catch tuna are called floating object […]Read more

Tuna, Bluefin (Hon Maguro)

Bluefin Tuna is the largest tuna species and one of the largest fish in our oceans, growing to 1543 pounds and over 13 feet in length. Bluefin tuna is caught in the Pacific, Atlantic, Southern Oceans and Mediterranean and are severely depleted worldwide. All populations are being caught at rates faster than they can reproduce. […]Read more

Tuna, Skipjack (Katsuo) – Atlantic, Floating Object Purse Seine

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Atlantic, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are […]Read more

Tuna, Skipjack (Katsuo) – Indian Ocean, Floating Object Purse Seine

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Indian Ocean, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance. Purse Seines are the most common […]Read more

Tuna, Skipjack (Katsuo) – Pacific, Floating Object Purse Seine

Skipjack Tuna represent about half of the global tuna catch and are commonly sold as ‘canned light’ or ‘chunk light’. They can spawn millions of eggs each year, grow fast, and have a high rate of population increase. In the Pacific, Skipjack Tuna are at a healthy abundance and fishing levels on this species are […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Atlantic, Floating Object Purse Seine

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. In the Atlantic Ocean, Yellowfin Tuna are at a low abundance and are considered depleted. Purse seines that use Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) to attract and catch tuna are […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Atlantic, Unassociated Purse Seine

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. In the Atlantic Ocean, Yellowfin Tuna are at a low abundance and are considered depleted. Purse seines that target free schools of tuna and do not use fish aggregating […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Indian Ocean, Floating Object Purse Seine

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. In the Indian Ocean, Yellowfin Tuna are at a healthy abundance. Purse seines that use Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) to attract and catch tuna are called floating object or […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Pacific, Floating Object Purse Seine

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. Yellowfin Tuna are at a healthy abundance in the Western Pacific, but are depleted in the Eastern Pacific. However, fishing levels on Yellowfin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific are […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Atlantic, Longline

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. In the Atlantic Ocean, Yellowfin Tuna are at a low abundance and are considered depleted. Longlines result in large quantities of bycatch, including threatened or endangered species such as […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Indian Ocean, Longline

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. In the Indian Ocean, Yellowfin Tuna are at a healthy abundance. Longlines result in large quantities of bycatch, including threatened or endangered species such as sea turtles, sharks and […]Read more

Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Pacific (except Hawaii), Longline

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. Yellowfin Tuna are at a healthy abundance in the Western Pacific, but are depleted in the Eastern Pacific. However, fishing levels on Yellowfin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific are […]Read more

Turbot/Halibut, Greenland (Hirame) – Western Greenland

Greenland turbot, commonly referred to as Greenland halibut, is a bottom-dwelling flatfish found in temperate and Arctic waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. The fishery off Western Greenland in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean is the largest of the Greenland Turbot fisheries. Off Western Greenland, the abundance of Greenland Turbot varies among areas, but […]Read more

Walleye – Lake Superior (Wisconsin)

Walleye is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. In the Great Lakes, Walleye have been the target of recreational and commercial fisheries for hundreds of years. Walleye grow quickly and reach sexual maturity at a young age, but habitat degradation and high fishing pressure caused population declines in the […]Read more

Weakfish – U.S. Atlantic

Weakfish are a species of fast growing fish found from Massachusetts to Florida, although they are most commonly found between New York and North Carolina.They are highly dependent on estuaries for food, shelter and spawning. Weakfish populations are depleted throughout their range and it is thought that increased predation and other natural factors, and not […]Read more

Whitefish, Lake – Lake Superior (Wisconsin)

Lake Whitefish is a fast growing freshwater fish that can reach a length of three feet, a weight of roughly 42 pounds, and live for 50 years. Lake Whitefish are found throughout the Great Lakes and are the main commercial fish species there. The abundance of Lake Whitefish has varied over time. Currently, the abundance […]Read more

Search this site

Search Form Loading

Fish Key:

Species has a combination of problems such as overfishing, high bycatch, and poor management.

Some problems exist with this species' status or catch methods, or information is insufficient for evaluating.

Species is relatively abundant, and fishing methods cause little damage to habitat and other wildlife.

A fishery targeting this species has been certified as sustainable and well managed to the Marine Stewardship Council's environmental standard. Learn more at http://www.msc.org.

These fish contain levels of mercury or PCBs that may pose a health risk to adults and children. Our source of information is http://seafood.edf.org/. We also recommend that you check local advisories.